The Bhagwant Mann video controversy has taken a fresh turn after Gurugram Police arrested two accused in an alleged fake forensic report case. The BJP has alleged an attempt to influence forensic findings, while the Punjab Chief Minister continues to maintain that the viral video is fabricated.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann says forensic analysis found no match between him and the individual seen in the controversial viral video. | File Photo: IANS
The controversy surrounding a viral video allegedly linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has entered a new phase after Gurugram Police arrested two men accused of preparing fabricated forensic material related to the clip.
The arrests have triggered a fresh political confrontation, with the BJP accusing the Punjab government of attempting to influence forensic findings, while Mann has continued to maintain that the video is fake and part of a conspiracy to tarnish his image.
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According to Gurugram Police, the two accused, identified as Ankit and Arun, were taken into custody following a complaint alleging that forged forensic reports were created in connection with the disputed video.
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Speaking to reporters, Gurugram ACP (Crime) Naveen Sharma said the complaint alleged that the accused had prepared and circulated fraudulent material despite not operating from any government-recognised forensic laboratory.
“The Gurgaon Police received a complaint. We have taken two individuals into custody; an interrogation is currently underway. One suspect has been identified as Ankit, a cyber-expert working with the NIA on a contract basis; the other individual is named Arun,” Sharma said.
He added that the accused had allegedly claimed they were paid Rs 10 lakh for the work and had indicated the involvement of officials from a neighbouring state.
“They stated that they were given Rs 10 lakh for this task, and indicated that certain officials from the neighbouring state were also involved,” the ACP said, adding that the investigation remains underway.
The case stems from a complaint filed by forensic expert Jaspreet Singh, who alleged that efforts were made to obtain a forensic assessment favouring a particular conclusion about the authenticity of the video.
According to the complaint, Singh later engaged two cyber experts, identified as Ankit and Arun, to assist in preparing reports related to the footage.
Investigators are examining claims that draft reports were repeatedly revised and that the process was allegedly monitored through WhatsApp communications.
Police have registered a case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to organised crime, cheating and forgery of electronic records. Relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act have also been invoked.
The two accused are expected to be produced before a court.
The arrests prompted a sharp reaction from the BJP, which alleged that the developments point to an attempt to manufacture forensic evidence in a politically sensitive matter.
BJP national spokesperson RP Singh claimed that the case had moved beyond a political controversy and had become a criminal investigation involving allegations of fabricated digital evidence.
In a post on X, Singh alleged that whistleblower Jaspreet Singh had faced pressure after expressing doubts about whether the available video quality was sufficient to scientifically establish that the clip was a deepfake.
The BJP leader further alleged that fake clearance certificates were prepared under the names of entities that investigators later found were neither physically operational nor legally accredited.
He also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party for citing independent forensic assessments in defence of the Chief Minister and demanded Mann’s resignation.
The row began after a viral video triggered a religious and political controversy in Punjab.
The Akal Takht subsequently summoned Mann and later described the video as authentic. Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj also directed members of the Sikh community to sever ties with the Punjab Chief Minister over the issue.
Mann has consistently denied appearing in the video.
In a video message issued on June 19, he described the episode as a “well-planned conspiracy” and asserted that the individual seen in the footage was an actor who resembled him.
“It is not me in the viral video, but an actor who looks like me. 1,191 frames were examined during the forensic analysis; not a single frame matches me,” Mann had said.
The Chief Minister also said he had directed the Director General of Police to identify those responsible and take action against them.
“The guilty will be apprehended and brought back from any corner of the world,” he said.
The investigation by Gurugram Police is continuing.
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