The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Sunday, 21 June urged Akal Takht Jathedar to order a comprehensive investigation into a fake video campaign targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, citing forensic analysis of more than 1,100 frames that conclusively established the person in the video is not the Chief Minister. The party has demanded that all individuals involved in producing, directing, and financing the video be identified and held accountable.

What the Forensic Examination Found

According to AAP's media in-charge Baltej Pannu, a detailed forensic examination of over 1,100 frames of the video has categorically ruled out any connection between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the footage in question. Pannu stated that Mann has consistently maintained the video is not genuine, and the forensic findings now corroborate that position.

'The investigation analysed more than 1,100 frames of the video and clearly established that the person shown in it is not CM Bhagwant Mann. The forensic examination has categorically ruled out any connection of the Chief Minister with the video,' Pannu said.

Key Questions AAP Wants Answered

Pannu outlined a series of questions he said must now be addressed: who was the actor featured in the video, who produced and directed it, and — critically — who financed what he described as a 'well-planned conspiracy.' He said the evidence available is sufficient to warrant a full-scale investigation.

'Several questions now need answers. Who was the actor featured in the video? Who produced it? Who directed it? And most importantly, who financed this conspiracy? The truth must come out and all those responsible must be identified,' Pannu added.

Shiromani Akali Dal President in the Crosshairs

AAP also called upon the Akal Takht Jathedar to summon Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal and seek answers on how he allegedly possessed information about the video before it became widely known. The party stopped short of directly accusing Badal but framed his apparent foreknowledge as a matter requiring explanation under the Jathedar's authority.

This is a significant political escalation — invoking the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, signals that AAP is seeking to frame the issue not merely as a law-and-order matter but as one touching religious and community trust.

Evidence Handed Over to Police

State AAP President Aman Arora and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema have already met the Director General of Police (DGP) and submitted all relevant evidence, formally demanding a comprehensive probe. Pannu said the party expects a 'fair and impartial investigation' that identifies every individual associated with the creation, promotion, and financing of the fake video campaign.

With evidence now in the hands of police authorities and a formal appeal before the Akal Takht Jathedar, the next steps in the investigation are likely to determine whether this episode becomes a sustained political flashpoint ahead of upcoming electoral cycles in Punjab.