Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says ‘mask’ used to create fake video

Amid the ongoing controversy over an objectionable video, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday (June 25, 2026) said a conspiracy has been hatched to malign his image on religious grounds, even as Opposition parties accused the Chief Minister of misleading the people of Punjab with diversionary statements.

Mr. Mann claimed a Canada-based person, whom he identified as Jagman Samra, had used a mask resembling his face to create the fabricated video. “The fake video was filmed in a hotel in Canada, whereas I have not visited the country since 2016. The mask was clearly visible in the video and my neck surgery scar was missing. The makers of the fake video have been identified and will be exposed after verification,” he said at a press conference here. He said the matter would be placed before the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat, along with the evidence.

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On June 15, 2026, the Sikh clergy at Akal Takht declared Mr. Mann Guru Dokhi (a betrayer of the Guru) and Khalsa Panth Virodhi (Opponent of the Sikh community), alleging he had made false statements in connection with the objectionable video.

“For the past several days, a fake and fabricated video of mine has been circulated repeatedly. Religious directives were also issued only to derive political benefit. Political masters are using people occupying religious positions to make announcements according to their convenience in an attempt to defame me religiously because they cannot compete with me politically,” Mr. Mann said.

Responding to other allegations, Mr. Mann stated, “The allegations regarding two IPS officers travelling to Gurugram are also false. People can be made to say anything through agencies. Whenever we produce evidence, attempts are made to discredit it by levelling fresh allegations.”

He added, “An FIR has already been registered in this case. The evidence we have presented today will also be handed over to the police. We will initiate the process of bringing back this individual [Mr. Samra] through Interpol.”

Meanwhile, BJP Punjab State president Kewal Singh Dhillon said instead of answering serious allegations confronting his government, Mr. Mann attempted to mislead the people of Punjab with diversionary statements and theatrical excuses. “Mr. Mann has maintained complete silence on the alleged ₹10 lakh bribe, the fake forensic report, the Gurugram FIR and the disturbing collusion of the Punjab Police, which allegedly used a fabricated report as a shield to suppress the truth and protect those involved,” said Mr. Dhillon.

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that Mr. Mann was weaving a web of lies around himself from which it would be impossible to get out. “First, Mann claimed that the video was generated through artificial intelligence, then he claimed that the person in the video was not him and now he has come up with another imaginary theory that the person was wearing a mask resembling his face. I won’t be surprised if Mann comes with some other lame defence tomorrow”, he said.