Fake lab report exposed? Bhagwant Mann should resign for allegedly orchestrating fraud to secure a clean chit in the sacrilege case, says Khaira

Senior Congress leader and MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Saturday demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over allegations related to an alleged fabricated forensic report linked to a controversial case concerning the purported disrespect of Sikh Gurus.

Khaira alleged that recent developments had reinforced concerns raised by him and several members of the Sikh community regarding the authenticity of a forensic report that had reportedly cleared the Chief Minister in the matter. He claimed that the report was allegedly prepared to shield Mann from public scrutiny and potential legal consequences.

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Referring to information that has recently surfaced in the public domain, Khaira alleged that police investigators in Gurugram had questioned individuals associated with laboratories that prepared the disputed report. He further claimed that the individuals concerned had allegedly admitted to preparing a false report in exchange for money and that investigators had reportedly recovered communications between laboratory operators and a Punjab Police official linked to the procurement of the report.

The Congress leader said that if these allegations are substantiated during the course of the investigation, the case could represent one of the most serious instances of misuse of official machinery in recent years. He argued that the controversy extends beyond the issue of a disputed forensic report and raises concerns about the alleged manipulation of evidence in a matter connected with the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.

Questioning the response of the state government, Khaira challenged both Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to publicly deny the allegations. He maintained that any government found to have relied on a fabricated report to protect public officials would face serious questions regarding accountability and transparency.

Khaira further stated that if the allegations are proven, the Chief Minister would lose the moral authority to continue in office. He asserted that no public office, regardless of its stature, should be used to influence evidence or evade accountability.

Calling for a criminal investigation, Khaira demanded a thorough probe into the alleged role of the Punjab government, concerned police officials, and the laboratory operators involved in the case. He said the people of Punjab and the Sikh community deserve a transparent and impartial investigation to establish the truth.

Concluding his remarks, Khaira described the allegations as a matter of public trust and governance, stating that any attempt to manipulate evidence in a case linked to religious sentiments would amount to a serious breach of faith with the people and institutions of the state. He reiterated his demand that Bhagwant Mann step down and face an independent inquiry into the allegations.