CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday directed that the alleged audio recording linked to the Patiala Police be examined by a Chandigarh-based forensic laboratory. The order was passed during a hearing on a petition related to the controversy, following which the court instructed that a detailed inquiry be conducted.
The Shiromani Akali Dal questioned the earlier stance of the Patiala Police, which had termed the recording fake. Party leaders said the police should clarify from which lab or agency the recording was examined before declaring it fabricated.
In the wake of the row, Patiala SSP Varun Sharma has been sent on sudden leave. Sangrur SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal has been given additional charge of Patiala.
Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal had shared the audio clip online, claiming it was from a conference call among Patiala Police officials.
In the recording, a voice attributed to SSP Sharma is allegedly heard instructing DSPs to “push” Akali candidates during the nomination process, including snatching or tearing nomination papers, or preventing candidates from filing them at their homes, villages or on the way. He purportedly instructs that no disruption should occur at enrolment centres.
Patiala Police had earlier dismissed the clip as an AI-generated fake. However, action against the SSP came ahead of the High Court hearing, adding to the political controversy.
