The Story so far: A video that shook Punjab’s political landscape surfaced in October 2025. It showed a person similar to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann allegedly sprinkling alcohol on photographs of Sikh Gurus, triggering outrage, which soon turned into a full-blown controversy both on the political and religious front as the genuineness of the purported video continued to be debated. Police registered a case against Canada-based NRI Jagmandeep Singh, alias Jagman Samra, and his social media account was taken down as part of the crackdown.
As the controversy failed to die down, in January 2026, the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat, summoned Mr. Mann, surrounding the allegation of disrespecting Gurus as seen in the video, to which Mr. Mann asserted that the person seen in the video was not him.
Months later, on June 15, 2026, the Sikh clergy at Akal Takht declared Mr. Mann “Guru Dokhi” (a betrayer of the Guru) and “Khalsa Panth Virodhi” (an opponent of Khalsa Panth), citing allegations that he made false statements in connection with the objectionable video involving him. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, while pronouncing the edict, noted that the video across social media platforms, which allegedly showed a person resembling Mr. Mann, was confirmed as “authentic” by two forensic laboratories.
Following this, on June 18, the Aam Aadmi Party, which is ruling Punjab, claimed that forensic tests by two independent laboratories recognised by the Government of India, have found no match between the person in the alleged sacrilege video and CM Mann, surrounding which the Akal Takht had issued an edict against him. The Opposition parties quickly hit at the AAP, asking how the AAP had managed to procure a report from two different laboratories in just two days after Akal Takht’s edict – raising eyebrows.
New twist
As the political storm showed no signs of settling. On June 24, the plot took a new turn, in neighbouring Haryana, the Gurugram police arrested two men, accused of hatching a plan to fabricate forensic and cyber analysis reports linked to the controversial video involving Mr. Mann.
The arrests added a fresh and troubling layer to an already murky controversy. The FIR was registered and the accused— Arun Mehandru, 25, and Ankit, 25, both residents of Haryana— were arrested.
The case stems from a complaint by Jaspreet Jassi, a digital forensics professional, who alleged that persons claiming to be senior Punjab government officials approached him to arrange a report supporting a predetermined conclusion that the person in the viral video was not Mr. Mann. The complaint added that repeated modifications were sought to tailor the findings, substantial monetary inducements were offered, and around ₹10 lakh was paid to facilitate the exercise.
Police said Mr. Ankit, who works on contract with a Delhi government department, prepared a report in the name of “Cipher Sentinel Lab” at the behest of the persons claiming to be government officials. Mr. Arun, a contractual employee in a Panchkula government department, issued another report under the name of “Cyber Yaan Lab”. Investigators said neither laboratory exists physically nor is registered with any government authority. The accused were sent to eight-day police custody and the probe is underway.
CM Mann’s Defence
On June 25, Mr. Mann claimed that the accused Mr. Samra had used a mask resembling his face to create the fake video. He asserted that a conspiracy had been hatched by circulating the fake video on social media to defame him on religious grounds, after his political opponents failed to challenge the work being done by his government for the people of Punjab.
He also dismissed the allegation regarding two IPS officers travelling to Gurugram, terming it “false”. People can be made to say anything through “agencies”, he stated and added, “Whenever we produce evidence, attempts are made to discredit it by levelling fresh allegations.”
Difficult road ahead of 2027 Assembly polls
The unabated controversy over the objectionable video and a stand-off between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Akal Takht appears to have added a sensitive religious dimension to the charged-up political atmosphere, even as the ruling party appears to be navigating uncomfortable terrain.
Also read: BJP demands arrest of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann over video row
Besides, with the Opposition parties stepping up pressure on the government ahead of the next State Assembly election, due in early 2027, the road for the AAP, especially the Chief Minister, could be challenging. To reclaim the power in the border State, where the party swept in 2022, Mr. Mann and his party would need to work harder to set the narrative in its favour, particularly in the Sikh community.
Published – June 26, 2026 10:56 am IST
