New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) A fresh political controversy erupted on Wednesday over a disputed viral video allegedly linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, with leaders from rival parties trading charges over claims of fabricated forensic evidence and the authenticity of the video.

Responding to allegations that a forensic report connected to the video had been fabricated, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh dismissed the charges and defended the Chief Minister.

“I don’t need to comment on this. The Chief Minister has already spoken on it, and the truth is in front of the people. Defeated and disheartened people are indulging in bad politics against a Chief Minister who is doing a good job,” Balbir Singh said.

The Opposition, however, continued to target the Chief Minister over the controversy. Congress MP Amar Singh alleged that Bhagwant Mann should step down over the issue.

“…Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has no way out but for resigning. In Sikh history, this has not happened till date that a CM or any person disregarded the Akal Takht and tried to prove its report as false…” Amar Singh said.

The controversy intensified after Gurugram Police exposed an alleged conspiracy to manipulate digital evidence by fabricating a fake forensic and cyber analysis report linked to the viral video case. Police arrested two accused on Tuesday, saying they had thwarted an attempt to distort facts surrounding the matter.

The issue revolves around a viral video that has triggered political and religious debate in Punjab, with questions being raised over its authenticity and the reports used to verify it.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson R.P. Singh also attacked the Chief Minister, alleging that the purported video showed Mann disrespecting religious images.

“Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann was in a video where he was seen disrespecting Guru Sahib and misbehaving with images. The Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib had called him and asked him to get it verified through his own agency. Bhagwant Mann ignored it and did not get it investigated. After that, Akal Takht Sahib got it verified, and the video was found to be genuine. Now, after it was found to be correct, Akal Takht Sahib removed Bhagwant Mann from the panth. Two agencies then submitted a report saying the video was not genuine. Following this, Gurgaon Police investigated the individuals involved and found it to be fake…” he said.

The matter remains politically contentious, with investigations and competing claims continuing to fuel debate across Punjab.

–IANS

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