The Shiromani Sikh temporal seat, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, on Saturday released a video recording of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s appearance before the Akal Takht, bringing into the public domain the exchange between Mann and Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj over a controversial viral video that has remained at the centre of a religious and political controversy in Punjab.
According to the video, Mann reiterated that the clip being circulated on social media was “completely fake” and allegedly generated using artificial intelligence (AI). The Chief Minister maintained that in the age of advanced technology, fabricated videos could be created for any individual and insisted that a scientific and forensic examination was necessary to establish the truth.
Jan 15, 2026 – Bhagwant Mann Appearance at Akal Takht Sahib (Video Matter)
The video pertains to Mann’s appearance before the Akal Takht on January 15, 2026, where he was summoned to explain his position regarding the disputed video and allegations linked to it. During the interaction, the Jathedar questioned the Chief Minister on matters concerning Sikh history, religious propriety and the controversy surrounding the video.
At the beginning of the exchange, the Jathedar asked Mann whether he knew Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Mann responded affirmatively and described Bhindranwale’s role as a significant figure associated with the Damdami Taksal, referring to his understanding based on historical accounts and events linked to Operation Blue Star.
The discussion then shifted to the disputed video. The Jathedar stated that it was still a matter of investigation whether the video was genuine or fabricated and offered to show it during the proceedings. Mann, however, asserted that the clip was entirely fake.
Seeking clarity, the Jathedar asked Mann to suggest two forensic laboratories where the video could be examined. He emphasised that the issue concerned the honour of the Sikh faith and that neither wrongful allegations nor damage to an individual’s reputation should occur without proper verification. Mann responded that any reputed laboratory could be chosen and assured full cooperation in the investigation.
During the conversation, Mann claimed that the individual responsible for circulating the video had previously uploaded similar material and alleged that the person was unreliable. He also argued that the visuals in the clip did not match the actual location being portrayed and pointed to differences in the setting as evidence supporting his claim that the video was manipulated.
The Jathedar repeatedly stressed the importance of a forensic inquiry and asked Mann to identify laboratories that could independently examine the footage. Mann agreed that a thorough investigation should be conducted and said he, too, wanted the matter to be conclusively resolved.
The exchange also reflected the Akal Takht’s concern over the sensitivity of issues connected to Sikh religious sentiments. The Jathedar remarked that matters relating to the Guru and Sikh traditions carried the highest importance and required complete transparency. He further stated that the loyalty of Punjabis should remain with the Panth and Punjab, irrespective of political considerations.
The release of the video comes days after the Akal Takht declared Mann “Guru virodhi” and “Panth virodhi” following deliberations by Sikh religious leadership. The decision was announced on June 15 by the Akal Takht Secretariat in the Golden Temple complex, where the Jathedar said Sikh institutions had discussed the issue after receiving reports related to the investigation of the viral video.
The controversy traces its origins to October 2025, when a Canada-based NRI, Jagmandeep Singh alias Jagman Samra, uploaded a video online purportedly showing Mann holding a glass containing alcohol. The footage allegedly depicted liquid splashing near portraits associated with Sikh Gurus and other Sikh personalities, leading to objections from religious and political groups that termed it an insult to Sikh sentiments.
Following the circulation of the clip, leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party and sources linked to the Chief Minister’s Office dismissed it as an AI-generated deepfake designed to tarnish Mann’s image. Opposition parties and Sikh organisations subsequently demanded an independent investigation into the authenticity of the footage.
Mann is the fourth Punjab Chief Minister to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Earlier, former chief ministers Bhim Sen Sachar, Surjit Singh Barnala and Parkash Singh Badal had also appeared before the Sikh temporal authority under different circumstances. During his appearance, Mann reportedly submitted documents and material in support of his position regarding the controversy.