Chandigarh: In a significant development in the controversy surrounding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s alleged objectionable video, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has made public portions of its recorded interaction with the Chief Minister regarding the matter.
The video relates to Mann’s appearance before Sri Akal Takht Sahib on January 15, 2026, when he attended proceedings concerning various complaints raised against him. During that appearance, the Chief Minister had also submitted documents and representations to the Akal Takht leadership.
According to the released footage, acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj questioned Mann about the controversial video. The interaction was officially recorded, and selected excerpts have now been made public.
In the video, Bhagwant Mann can be heard maintaining that the clip is “completely fake” and insisting that a thorough forensic examination should be conducted. He stated that he was willing to provide details of forensic laboratories for an independent investigation and argued that advances in artificial intelligence have led to the creation of similar manipulated videos involving several public figures.
Responding to Mann’s claims, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the matter should be examined scientifically and asked the Chief Minister to suggest two government-recognised forensic laboratories where the video could be tested. Mann agreed to such an examination.
The Jathedar emphasised that the issue concerns the dignity of Sikh institutions and that no individual should face character assassination if the video is found to be fabricated. However, he added that only a forensic investigation could establish the truth.
During the discussion, the Akal Takht leadership indicated that it would also seek independent forensic analysis while asking the government to facilitate separate examinations through recognised laboratories. The Jathedar stated that if the video proved to be false, that conclusion would be made public, while any further course of action in the event of its authenticity would be decided by the Khalsa Panth.
The recorded interaction has also been shared with the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), whose members have reviewed the material as part of the ongoing deliberations on the matter.
