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Punjab CM rejects video behind Akal Takht decree, claims political ... A day after the Sikh clergy declared him “Guru Dokhi (anti-Guru)” and “Khalsa Panth virodhi (anti-Khalsa Panth)” over an objectionable video, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday rejected the video that formed the basis of the religious decree. Breaking his silence on the edict pronounced from the faseel, platform of Akal Takht in the Golden Temple complex of Amritsar by acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Monday afternoon, Mann released a video statement asserting that the man seen in the controversial footage was not him. “The person seen in the video does not match my height and physique,” Mann said, adding that he rejects the clip “completely”. In January, the Akal Takht had summoned him over the clip where Mann allegedly commented on “Guru ki Golak (gurdwara donation box)” and engaged in “objectionable activities” involving pictures of Sikh Gurus and slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The complaint accused a man resembling Mann of sprinkling liquor on portraits of the Gurus and Bhindranwale. While Mann maintained during his January 15 appearance before the Akal Takht sec…

Video row linked to Punjab CM Mann escalates; AAP calls it 'fake', SAD ... CHANDIGARH: The political row surrounding a controversial video allegedly linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann intensified on Thursday, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) approaching the Punjab Director General of Police and seeking a comprehensive probe into what it termed a conspiracy. The party claimed that two independent, government-recognised laboratories had found the videos circulated by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to be "fake". Meanwhile, the SAD announced a "Dharam Yudh Morcha" from the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, from July 19 to seek Mann's removal as chief minister, alleging that he had committed "heinous sacrilege and the most unforgivable outrage against the Akal Takht". SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal also challenged Mann to undergo a lie detector test if he was not "guilty". Citing forensic investigations conducted by two independent Government of India-recognised laboratories, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the propaganda campaign had been demolished by scientific evidence. He said forensic experts examined 1,191 frames from the video. …

Akal Takht declares Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann ‘anti-panth’, 'anti-guru' over viral video Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been labelled "anti-Panth" and "anti-Guru" by five Sikh high priests following scrutiny of a viral video referencing alcohol. Sources indicate the religious authorities have advised the Khalsa community against associating with the CM. Additionally, AAP Sikh MLAs allegedly supporting a sacrilege law have been summoned.

False propaganda, person in video not me: Bhagwant Mann on Akal ... Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann A day after the Sikh clergy declared him ' Guru Dokhi ' (anti-Guru) and ' Khalsa Panth virodhi' (anti-Khalsa Panth) over an objectionable video , Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said the person in the video was not him. In a video message, the chief minister expressed surprise over the top brass of religious bodies "indulging in false propaganda at the behest of their political bosses" to defame him. The matter stems from the summoning of Mann by the Akal Takht , the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, in January this year for allegedly making comments on 'Guru ki Golak' (gurdwara donation box) and indulging in "objectionable activities" with the pictures of the Sikh Gurus and slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in a video clip. In his video message on Tuesday, Mann said a 'hukamnama' (edict) had been issued against him over the video, claiming that it featured him and that it was not AI-generated. "I completely reject this video," he said. Live Events Mann said when he was earlier called to the Akal Takht, he had then said that it was not him in the purported video. "The p…

After Akal Takht pronouncement, AAP claims forensic reports clear ... Days after the Akal Takht declared Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a “guru dokhi” and “Panth dokhi” over a controversial viral video, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Thursday produced two forensic reports, which it claimed showed that the person in the footage was not Mann. Addressing a press conference, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the video had been examined by two government-recognised forensic laboratories outside Punjab. He said both reports concluded that the individual appearing in the video did not match Mann. Cheema said the forensic analysis by the labs involved 1,191 reference points, including facial recognition, frame extraction, height assessment, gait analysis, and examination of body posture, before they arrived at their conclusions. “The reports clearly establish that the individual in the video is notBhagwant Mann,” Cheema said, adding that the findings would now be placed before the authorities. Cheema said an AAP delegation would meet Gaurav Yadav, Director General of Police, Punjab, and seek an investigation into those responsible for creating and circulating the video, which …

AAP releases forensic reports, claims CM Mann not seen in controversial ... Home Latest AAP releases forensic reports, claims CM Mann not seen in controversial viral... Latest Political News Punjab Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday stepped up its defence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the controversy surrounding a purported viral video, presenting findings from two independent forensic reports that it claims rule out Mann’s presence in the footage. Addressing a press conference, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu said the reports were prepared by two government-recognised laboratories located outside Punjab. According to the party, the analysis examined 1,191 distinct body markers and characteristics, including facial structure, height, body build and walking style. AAP leaders claimed the findings concluded that the individual seen in the video was not Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The party further alleged that an actor had been used to create the video and insisted that the footage did not feature the Punjab chief minister. AAP leaders said the party would also meet Punjab …

'Not Bhagwant Mann': AAP cites '1,191 different angles' to defend Punjab CM in 'sacrilege' row Punjab finance minister and AAP leader Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that a video allegedly showing chief minister Bhagwant Mann in a sacrilegious act is fake. Forensic reports from two independent laboratories confirm the individual in the video is not Mann, suggesting a defamation attempt by the opposition. This comes after the Akal Takht issued an edict against Mann over the clip.

Punjab BJP chief's home over fake video campaign targeting CM Mann Activists of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a protest outside the residence of former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar and his nephew, MLA Sandeep Jakhar, in Subhash Nagar, Abohar, on Saturday against an alleged fake video campaign targeting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The protest was addressed by Jalalabad MLA Jagdeep Goldy Kamboj, Fazilka MLA Narinderpal Singh Sawna, AAP Abohar constituency in-charge Arun Narang and other local party leaders. The activists alleged that the BJP was attempting to disturb Punjab's peace and communal harmony through religion-based and divisive politics. They accused the party of trying to create political unrest in the state by spreading a false narrative. The leaders asserted that neither the AAP nor the people of Punjab would allow such politics to succeed. They said the AAP is a movement-based party and its workers cannot be influenced by pressure tactics. Sawna, Kamboj and Narang also highlighted the achievements of the state government and said the next Assembly elections would be fought on the plank of development rather than religious issues. They demand…

Forensic Findings Reject Claims Linking Punjab CM Mann To 'Sacrilege' Video Chandigarh: The Punjab AAP on Thursday said forensic tests by two labs had shown that the man in the alleged sacrilege video over which the Akal Takht issued an edict against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is someone else. Addressing the media here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of trying to defame Mann since talks were initiated to enact the anti-sacrilege law. The Akal Takht on Monday declared Mann 'Guru Dokhi' (anti-Guru) and 'Khalsa Panth virodhi' (anti-Khalsa Panth) over the video. The edict came after Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj claimed that the video circulating on social media -- purportedly showing a man resembling Mann -- was found to be "authentic" by the two forensic laboratories. The video was neither tinkered with nor AI-generated, he had said. Mann rejected the video, saying it was "false propaganda" aimed at defaming him. Cheema targeted the SAD, saying it is an "expert at hatching conspiracies". "Ever since talks were initiated to enact the anti-sacrilege law, Bhagwant Mann has been targeted. Some conspiracy or the other …

'Viral sacrilege video of Bhagwant Mann authentic': Akal Takht Jathedar ... The five-member jathedar panel of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Monday declared Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a “Guru-Dokhi” (one who has betrayed or shown disloyalty to the Guru) and “Khalsa Panth Virodhi” (opposed to the Khalsa Panth) over an alleged sacrilege video after forensic reports commissioned by the Akal Takht concluded that the viral clip was authentic and not AI-generated. CM Mann has consistently denied being the person seen in the video and earlier described the clip as fake and AI-generated. The Aam Aadmi Party on Monday reiterated that the forensic reports cited by the Akal Takht did not establish the identity of the individual seen in the footage and accused the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Badal family of politicising Sikh institutions. Accusing the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Badal family of manipulating Sikh religious institutions for political gains, AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu said, “While the forensic report may state that the video itself is authentic, it does not establish who the individual in the video is. Therefore, declaring someone guilty on that basis raises ser…

Akal Takht summons Punjab CM Mann over 'derogatory' remarks, 'insult ... CHANDIGARH: The standoff between the Punjab government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has escalated with the Akal Takht (Highest Temporal Seat of Sikhs) officiating Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj summoning Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on January 15, seeking an explanation over his remarks against sikh institutions and over the Sikh code of conduct. The summon follows allegations that Mann made derogatory remarks regarding Sikh traditions and tenets. Gargaj said that Mann’s comments on the code of conduct (Sikh Rehat Maryada), the principle of religious tithe (Daswandh) and the Guru Ki Golak have deeply hurt the Sikh psyche. Citing objectionable videos circulating on social media platforms, he claimed that Mann’s actions towards images of the Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, as seen in videos, were disrespectful. The Akal Takht will verify the authenticity of these videos before deciding on further action. It could not be verified if the video is original or AI-generated. As Mann is a patit Sikh (one who has cut his hair), he has been asked to submit his response to the Akal …

Akal Takht releases video of Mann’s appearance before it over ‘objectionable’ video Akal Takht said that when the Chief Minister appeared at Akal Takht Sahib; he addressed the matter regarding an objectionable video and had said, "This is completely fake."

Bhagwant Mann rejects Akal Takht edict, says objectionable video does ... Chandigarh Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday dismissed allegations linked to a purported objectionable video, asserting that the individual seen in the footage was not him and accusing religious authorities of spreading "false propaganda" to tarnish his image. His response came a day after the Sikh clergy declared him 'Guru Dokhi' (anti-Guru) and 'Khalsa Panth virodhi' (anti-Khalsa Panth) over the controversy surrounding the video. In a video statement, Mann said he was shocked that individuals occupying senior positions in religious institutions were, according to him, participating in a campaign aimed at defaming him under political influence. "The person shown in that video is not me. I completely reject the authenticity of linking me to that footage," Mann said. The controversy dates back to January this year, when the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, summoned the chief minister over allegations that he had made remarks concerning 'Guru ki Golak' (gurdwara donation boxes) and had been involved in activities deemed objectionable in connection with images of Sikh Gurus…

Sikh clergy declares Punjab CM Mann anti-Khalsa, Panth over objectionable video A position of Chief Minister is respectable; but Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh (Mann) lied at the Akal Takht (about the video), says Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj

Akal Takht declares Bhagwant Mann 'Anti-Guru', summons Cabinet PTI Bhagwant Mann New Delhi: The clergy at Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, on Monday declared Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann a ' Guru Dokhi ' (one who disrespects the Guru) and ' Khalsa Panth Virodhi ' (against the Sikh community ), accusing him of misleading Akal Takht on the issue of an alleged sacrilege video purportedly showing him in an act that hurt religious sentiment. The clergy also summoned all Sikh MLAs, irrespective of party affiliation, along with the Punjab Cabinet to appear before Akal Takht on June 29 in connection with the anti-sacrilege law enacted by the Mann government. Also Read: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann wins trust vote amid defection fears The edict was pronounced by Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj from the podium after a meeting of the five Singh Sahibans in Amritsar. He claimed that two forensic laboratories had found the video circulating on social media - purportedly showing a man resembling Mann - to be authentic and not tampered with or AI-generated. "The office of the CM is respectable. But CM Bhagwant Singh Mann lied before Akal Takht regarding the video," he said. A…

'Person in viral video not me': Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann alleges ... "Person in viral video not me": Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann alleges conspiracy to defame him By ANI | Updated: June 16, 2026 14:10 IST 2026-06-16T19:35:35+5:30 2026-06-16T14:10:06+5:30 Preferred on Preferred on Next Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], June 16 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday "categorically and completely" rejected the ... "Person in viral video not me": Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann alleges conspiracy to defame him Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], June 16 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday "categorically and completely" rejected the authenticity of a viral video, terming it as part of a "false propaganda" to defame him, adding that the person seen in the video "does not match his physique or height." The Punjab Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader today expressed concern over a recent edict issued by the 'Jathedar' of Akal Takht (the highest temporal and spiritual seat of Sikhs) regarding a video allegedly featuring him that has been widely circulated on social media and said that "people sitting in such high religious positions were carrying out false propaganda at…

Akal Takht declares Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann 'Guru Dokhi' The Akal Takht on Monday declared Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann a “Guru Dokhi (anti-Guru)” and “Panth Virodhi (anti-community)” over an objectionable video purportedly showing him in an act that hurt Sikh sentiments. Pronouncing the decree from the “faseel (platform)” of the highest Sikh temporal seat, the Sikh clergy led by Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj directed the Sikh Panth to shun ties with Mann. This severe edict followed a crucial meeting with various Sikh bodies, which was convened amid intensifying objections to certain provisions of the newly enacted Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. Beyond the ostracising of the chief minister, the Sikh clergy has strictly summoned all Sikh MLAs and cabinet members who signed the Bill of the anti-sacrilege law to present themselves at the Akal Takht on June 29. The escalation comes after the Akal Takht had earlier given the Punjab government a strict 15-day ultimatum to remove what it termed “objectionable clauses” from the legislation, with those familiar with the developments anticipating an edict against the newly en…