Sirsa demands Bhagwant Mann's arrest over 'fabricated' forensic report row
Synopsis
The row over a video allegedly showing Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann disrespecting a sacred Sikh image has escalated sharply — Delhi BJP Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa is now demanding Mann's arrest, alleging that Punjab officials procured a 'fabricated' forensic report using AAP's alleged black money. The Akal Takht had already expelled Mann from the Sikh community on 15 June 2026, declaring him 'Guru-drohi.'
Key Takeaways
Delhi BJP Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa demanded the arrest of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann at a press conference on 24 June 2026 .
The Akal Takht Sahib declared Mann a 'Guru-drohi' and expelled him from the Sikh community on 15 June 2026 .
Two forensic agencies reportedly examined 1,191 frames and concluded the controversial video was 'entirely authentic,' though parts remain disputed.
Sirsa alleged that Haryana Commissioner Swapan Sharma facilitated procurement of a fabricated forensic report using AAP's alleged 'black money.' Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema held a press conference on 18 June 2026 calling the video fake — an assertion Sirsa called an attempt to suppress Sikh sentiment.
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal was also targeted, with Sirsa alleging the party acted 'against Sikh community sentiments and the Akal Takht.'
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, called for the arrest of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that Punjab officials had procured a 'fabricated' forensic report to discredit a controversial video purportedly showing Mann disrespecting a sacred Sikh image. Sirsa made the demand at a press conference held at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi.
The Video at the Centre of the Row
The controversy stems from a video that surfaced showing Bhagwant Mann allegedly splashing alcohol onto a sacred image of the 'Guru Sahibans'. When summoned by the Akal Takht Sahib on 5 January 2026, Mann reportedly claimed the footage was AI-generated and not authentic. However, according to Sirsa, two separate forensic agencies subsequently concluded that the video was 'entirely authentic,' having examined 1,191 frames — though certain parts of the clip reportedly remained under dispute.
Akal Takht's Verdict and Expulsion
The matter escalated significantly when, on 15 June 2026, the Akal Takht Sahib — the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority — declared Bhagwant Mann a 'Guru-drohi' (traitor to the Guru) and an 'adversary of the Khalsa Panth.' The Akal Takht formally expelled Mann from the Sikh community and issued a directive to Sikhs worldwide to sever all association with him. The five 'Singh Sahibans' (high priests) of the Akal Takht had earlier issued a similar order, according to Sirsa.
Allegations of a Fabricated Forensic Report
Sirsa alleged that Swapan Sharma, described as a Haryana Commissioner with close ties to Mann, convened a meeting at a hotel involving SP Jashandeep and an intermediary named Harpreet, reportedly linked to the Gurugram forensic lab. He claimed a financial transaction occurred during this meeting, and that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s alleged 'black money' was used to procure a fabricated forensic report aimed at undermining the video's authenticity. NationPress could not independently verify these allegations.
On 18 June 2026, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema held a press conference asserting the video was fake — a move Sirsa characterised as an attempt to 'suppress a matter hurting Sikh sentiments' rather than an expression of remorse from Mann.
BJP's Political Broadside at AAP
Sirsa extended his attack beyond Mann, targeting AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal and the party's leadership, alleging they were 'acting against the sentiments of the Sikh community and the Akal Takht' by commissioning fabricated reports 'using financial clout.' He also drew a sharp rhetorical comparison, stating that 'the mindset currently visible in Punjab mirrors the oppressive mentality of the Mughal era.'
The allegations, made entirely at a political press conference, represent the BJP's position and have not been substantiated in court. The AAP government in Punjab has denied the charges. With the Akal Takht's authority now invoked and arrest demands on the table, the controversy is set to deepen ahead of Punjab's political calendar.
Point of View
Ahead of a political cycle where Sikh sentiment carries outsized electoral weight. The Akal Takht's expulsion of a sitting Chief Minister is an extraordinary development that mainstream coverage has underplayed; the last time a figure of this stature faced such censure, it reshaped Punjab's political landscape for years. Sirsa's allegations about a fabricated forensic report remain unverified and contested, but the political damage from the Akal Takht's 'Guru-drohi' declaration is already done — no counter-forensic report can easily undo that. The AAP's silence from Mann himself, with Cheema doing the talking, may itself become a liability.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa demanding Bhagwant Mann's arrest?
Sirsa is demanding Mann's arrest over allegations that Punjab officials procured a 'fabricated' forensic report to discredit a video purportedly showing Mann disrespecting a sacred Sikh image. He made the demand at a BJP press conference on 24 June 2026, also citing the Akal Takht's expulsion of Mann from the Sikh community.
What did the Akal Takht Sahib rule regarding Bhagwant Mann?
On 15 June 2026, the Akal Takht Sahib declared Bhagwant Mann a 'Guru-drohi' (traitor to the Guru) and an adversary of the Khalsa Panth, formally expelling him from the Sikh community. The high priests also directed Sikhs worldwide to sever all association with him.
What is the controversy over the forensic report?
Sirsa alleged that two independent forensic agencies, after examining 1,191 frames, concluded the video was authentic and not AI-generated. He further alleged that a separate 'fabricated' forensic report was procured through a financial transaction arranged by Punjab officials, allegedly using AAP's 'black money,' to claim the video was fake. These allegations have not been independently verified.
What has the AAP government said about the video?
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema held a press conference on 18 June 2026 asserting the video was fake. Bhagwant Mann himself had earlier told the Akal Takht on 5 January 2026 that the footage was AI-generated. The AAP has denied the BJP's allegations of a fabricated forensic report.
Who else has Sirsa accused in connection with the alleged forensic cover-up?
Sirsa named Haryana Commissioner Swapan Sharma, described as close to Mann, along with SP Jashandeep and an intermediary named Harpreet, as participants in a hotel meeting allegedly linked to the Gurugram forensic lab. He also accused AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal of directing actions against Sikh sentiments and the Akal Takht.
