Punjab AAP delegation meets DGP Gaurav Yadav, demands arrest over CM Mann fake video
Synopsis
AAP's Punjab leadership marched to DGP Gaurav Yadav's office demanding arrests over a fabricated video targeting CM Bhagwant Mann — and used the moment to level sweeping historical charges against the Akali Dal, invoking the 1986 and 2015 Guru Granth Sahib desecration cases. The political stakes are high: a fake-video complaint has become a full-spectrum offensive against the principal opposition.
Key Takeaways
AAP Punjab delegation met DGP Gaurav Yadav in Chandigarh on 18 June over a fake video targeting CM Bhagwant Mann .
The delegation submitted two formal reports demanding arrest of those who created, circulated, and amplified the video.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema directly accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) of orchestrating the fabrication.
Cheema invoked the 1986 Nakodar killings ( 4 youths ) and 2015 protest shootings ( 2 youths ) as evidence of the Akali Dal's alleged anti-Punjab record.
The Justice Gurnam Singh Commission report was allegedly suppressed by both Akali-BJP and Congress governments, according to Cheema.
AAP warned that conspirators — whether in Punjab or abroad — will be traced and held accountable.
An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) delegation from Punjab met Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav in Chandigarh on 18 June, demanding immediate arrests over a fabricated video allegedly designed to defame Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and inflame communal tensions across the state.
What the Delegation Demanded
The delegation submitted two formal reports to the DGP, calling for legal action against all individuals involved in creating, circulating, and amplifying the doctored video on social media. The AAP team was led by party state President Aman Arora and Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, accompanied by other senior party leaders.
AAP's Accusations Against Akali Dal
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Minister Harpal Cheema directly accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) of orchestrating the conspiracy. 'The Akali Dal is completely baffled by the clean image of the popular government and CM Bhagwant Mann elected by three crore Punjabis. To regain its lost political ground, the Akali Dal has now stooped so low that it is hatching a deep conspiracy to defame the Chief Minister by fabricating a video. Such cheap acts will not be tolerated at any cost,' Cheema said.
He further alleged that the Akali Dal's political record has consistently worked against Punjab's interests, describing the party's history as 'anti-Punjab and anti-panthic.'
Historical Grievances Raised
Cheema invoked two flashpoint incidents from periods of Akali Dal governance to press the broader charge. He alleged that in 1986, following the desecration ('beadbi') of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Nakodar, four youths were killed when the Sikh congregation sought justice. In 2015, he said, a similar desecration triggered protests during which two youths were shot dead. Cheema alleged both episodes were marked by attempts to suppress evidence and shield the culprits.
He also alleged that the report of the Justice Gurnam Singh Commission — constituted during the Akali-BJP government — was deliberately buried before it could expose the party's role. 'Even during the five years of Congress rule, this report remained suppressed,' he added, broadening the accountability charge to include the Indian National Congress (Congress).
Warning to Conspirators
Cheema issued a pointed warning, stating that no one — whether based in Punjab or abroad — would be allowed to disturb the state's peace, harmony, and stability. He said perpetrators would be traced and held accountable regardless of their location.
The Punjab Police is now expected to act on the two reports submitted by the AAP delegation. Whether formal FIRs are registered and against whom will be a key development to watch in the coming days.
Point of View
Which reports to the AAP government, will register FIRs naming Akali Dal figures — and if so, on what evidentiary basis. Opposition parties are likely to frame any such action as political vendetta, which means the government's credibility hinges on the quality of evidence in those two submitted reports, not the volume of the rhetoric surrounding them.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fake video row involving CM Bhagwant Mann?
A fabricated video allegedly designed to defame Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and disturb communal harmony was circulated on social media. The AAP government has accused the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) of orchestrating its creation and spread.
Who met the DGP and what did they demand?
An AAP Punjab delegation comprising state President Aman Arora and Finance Minister Harpal Cheema met DGP Gaurav Yadav in Chandigarh on 18 June. They submitted two reports demanding legal action — including arrests — against those who created, circulated, and amplified the fake video.
Why did AAP accuse the Akali Dal specifically?
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema alleged the Akali Dal fabricated the video to regain lost political ground, citing what he described as the party's history of working against Punjab's interests. He also invoked the 1986 and 2015 Guru Granth Sahib desecration incidents as part of the broader charge.
What is the Justice Gurnam Singh Commission report?
The Justice Gurnam Singh Commission was constituted during the Akali-BJP government to probe the 2015 sacrilege incidents. Cheema alleged the report was deliberately suppressed by both the Akali-BJP and subsequent Congress governments to protect the accused.
What happens next in the fake video case?
Punjab Police is expected to act on the two formal reports submitted by the AAP delegation. Whether FIRs are registered and against whom will be the key development to watch in the coming days.
