In a fresh development in the alleged sacrilege video controversy involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, an FIR filed by Haryana Police has claimed that Punjab Police officers allegedly paid ₹10 lakh to forge a forensic report declaring the viral video as fake.
The FIR also names two Punjab government officials, including a DIG-rank and an SP-rank officer, in connection with the alleged conspiracy. Gurugram Police have arrested two individuals for their suspected role in the cover-up.
The complaint was filed by Jaspreet, a forensic expert from Sirsa, who alleged that he was pressured and threatened into preparing a manipulated report. In his recorded statement, he claimed the forensic findings were fabricated under coercion and later confirmed the same in a written complaint.
Opposition leaders have demanded the resignation of the Punjab Chief Minister following the FIR. Meanwhile, Mann has denied the allegations, stating that the person seen in the viral video is an actor resembling him and that the case is part of a conspiracy to defame him. He has also directed the DGP to identify and arrest those involved.
The Sikh religious authority Akal Takht has advised the Sikh community to distance itself from Mann amid the controversy.
