A new forensic analysis commissioned by the Punjab government has concluded that the individual seen in a controversial video is not Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, contradicting earlier claims cited by the Akal Takht. The development comes days after the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, declared Mann anti-Guru over the same video, which allegedly showed a person resembling him sprinkling alcohol on images of Sikh gurus.
According to the Punjab government, the latest forensic examination was conducted by two laboratories recognised by the Centre and located outside the state.
Punjab Chief Minister has consistently denied the allegations and maintained that the video circulating online is AI-generated and part of a targeted misinformation campaign. The state-commissioned report examined 1,191 frames of the 39-second clip and concluded that there were clear differences between the individual in the video and the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. It also highlighted variations in facial structure, posture, height and body build.
The report stated that the individual in the video displayed a different stance compared to reference images and footage of Bhagwant Mann, noting that there was no match or commonality between the two. It also estimated the height of the person in the video at around 5 feet 10 inches, compared to the Chief Minister’s reported height of 5 feet 8 inches.
Earlier this week, Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj had strongly criticised Mann in connection with the controversy, declaring him guilty of “lying at the Akal Takht.” He also stated that the Sikh community should distance itself from the Chief Minister, intensifying the political and religious fallout of the issue.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP, have criticised Mann and called for accountability in the matter.