New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, announced on Tuesday that the Punjab Police had requested an additional 10 days to provide a report regarding the Atishi video controversy, but they have been instructed to complete their report within three days. Gupta stated, “The Punjab Police have asked for 10 days, however, considering the gravity of the situation, the Delhi Assembly Secretariat has mandated a deadline of three days for the report, due by January 15.”

This announcement was made during a press briefing addressing the fallout from the use of “unparliamentary and objectionable” language by AAP’s Leader of the Opposition, Atishi, in the Assembly on January 6. Gupta mentioned that notices have been sent to the Director General of Police, Punjab; the Special DGP of the Cyber Cell; and the Commissioner of Police in Jalandhar.

The issuance of these notices follows the filing of an FIR against Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra in Jalandhar, who is accused of disseminating a “doctored” video depicting Atishi’s comments made in the Assembly on January 6, which was prompted by a complaint from a local resident.

Gupta raised concerns regarding the Punjab Police's request for more time to respond, questioning the independence and objectivity of the investigative body. He pointed out that while the Punjab Police claimed to have rapidly registered the FIR and conducted a forensic analysis of a video sourced from Mishra’s social media, they are taking an excessive amount of time to address the Assembly’s notice.

He stressed that this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Assembly, asserting that all original videos and documents belong to the Assembly. Gupta questioned the Punjab Government's initiation of the forensic examination, including who authorized it and what criteria were used, especially since the Assembly was not consulted nor were any documents requested.

The Speaker expressed that the series of events seems to be aimed at creating confusion rather than clarifying facts, especially after sentiments have already been inflamed. He called the situation legally sensitive and emotionally charged for the public, hinting at possible political interference.

Gupta firmly stated that any attempts to undermine the dignity of the Assembly will not be tolerated. He noted that the incident has significantly disrupted the Assembly's functioning, leading to several disturbances, as the Leader of the Opposition opted not to participate in subsequent sessions.

On January 7, after reviewing the relevant video material, it became clear that the remarks in question had hurt public sentiments, particularly as they were considered disrespectful towards revered Gurus. Members of the House unanimously agreed that the Leader of the Opposition should come forth and issue an unconditional apology; however, this did not occur, leading to disruptions in proceedings on January 6, 7, and 8.

In light of the seriousness of the matter and the emotions involved, decisions were made on January 8 to refer the video material to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis, at the request of the Opposition itself. Gupta reaffirmed that the authority to request forensic examination in this case lies with the Delhi Assembly and assured that the Assembly will act responsibly and transparently to uncover the truth and uphold the dignity of the House.