Amritsar, June 15
The Akal Takht Sahib on Monday summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to appear before it on June 29 in connection with an objectionable video circulating online that allegedly shows a man resembling him in a sacrilegious act. The Akal Takht Sahib has declared Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann “anti-Panth” and “anti-Guru” following the release of forensic reports linked to a viral video case. The decision was announced by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj after a meeting held at the Sikh temporal seat in Amritsar. According to the Jathedar, forensic analysis conducted by two reputed laboratories concluded that the video circulating online is authentic. He said the reports found no evidence of artificial intelligence, editing or tampering. The footage allegedly shows a person resembling the Chief Minister holding a glass of alcohol in front of a religious image. The claims have not been independently verified.
The Jathedar said the Chief Minister had previously been summoned by the Akal Takht in the same matter, after which the decision was taken to order forensic verification.
He also alleged that Mann had misled the Akal Takht during earlier proceedings, adding that such conduct was not in line with expectations from a public representative.
Mann has not yet publicly responded to the announcement.
