Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann repeatedly described a controversial video linked to him as "fake" and supported an independent forensic investigation according to a conversation released by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Saturday and in the video which is said to be from January shows a discussion between Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The conversation has come into focus days after Sri Akal Takht Sahib stated that an earlier controversial video that has been making rounds on social media involving chief minister was not doctored and declared him "Guru Dokhi" and "Khalsa Panth Virodhi."
In the newly released conversation the Jathedar makes it clear that he could not confirm whether the video was genuine or fake and said the matter required investigation and during the discussion the Jathedar asked the chief minister if he knew Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to which Mann replied that he was aware of him and briefly referred to his role as head of Damdami Taksal and period around Operation Blue Star.
The conversation then shifted to the controversial video where Jathedar stated that he did not know whether the clip was genuine or fabricated and that the issue should be examined through a proper investigation and responding to this Mann strongly denied the authenticity of the clip and said "That is absolutely fake."
The Jathedar then suggested that the video should be sent for forensic examination and asked CM Mann to suggest two laboratories where such testing could be carried out and said the issue was connected to Guru and therefore required a thorough and impartial investigation and he also said that if the video turned out to be fake nobody's character should be damaged but the truth could only be established through forensic testing.
Mann agreed with the proposal and said examination could be conducted under supervision of the Akal Takht and he stated that arrangements could be made for testing and expressed support for a detailed probe.
When asked whether the video had already been examined, Mann referred to an existing court order connected to the matter. During the conversation, another person present mentioned that some material had been withheld because of privacy concerns.
The chief minister also spoke about the person whom he claimed was circulating the video. Mann alleged that the individual was based in Germany and had previously shared similar content. He further claimed that the person had uploaded other videos featuring him and said that all such videos should also be subjected to forensic examination.
Throughout the discussion, Mann continued to maintain that the controversial clip was fake. At one point, he again stated that if an investigation was required, it should be carried out, but insisted that the video was not genuine.
The Jathedar repeatedly asked for the names of two laboratories and said Akal Takht Sahib would also get the video independently examined. He stated that if the clip was found to be false, the matter would end there, but if it proved to be genuine, it would concern the wider Panth.
Mann responded by saying that any reputed laboratory could be chosen. He added that he also wanted the matter to be investigated so that the facts could become clear.
The chief minister further pointed to the growing use of artificial intelligence and digital editing tools. He said social media content can be manipulated and that people often face concerns about photographs or videos being altered. Mann referred to examples where images of political leaders had allegedly been inserted into similar settings.
The conversation ends with both sides agreeing on the need for a forensic examination. While the Jathedar emphasized that the issue should be independently verified, Mann repeatedly maintained that the video was fake and said he supported an investigation to establish the truth.