Forensic report controversy: Opposition demands CM Mann’s resignation

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Chandigarh, June 24

The opposition parties have demanded Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ‘s resignation following the registration of an FIR by Haryana Police in connection with an alleged fabricated forensic report linked to a controversial viral video. The development follows the arrest of two men by Gurugram Police based on a complaint filed by Jaspreet, a resident of Haryana’s Sirsa district. According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that he was pressured, threatened and coerced into procuring forensic reports related to the video controversy involving the chief minister.

The case has added to the political storm surrounding the alleged video, which earlier prompted the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, to issue an edict against Mann on June 15.

Mann has consistently denied the authenticity of the video, describing it as “false propaganda” intended to damage his reputation. Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also maintained that forensic examinations conducted by two laboratories concluded that the individual seen in the video was not the chief minister.

Reacting to the FIR, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said Mann should step down immediately, arguing that he had lost the moral authority to remain in office.

In a statement, Warring alleged that attempts had been made to secure a fabricated report to challenge the Akal Takht’s position. He described the allegations as unprecedented and said the people of Punjab would not forgive those responsible if the claims were proven true.

Drawing parallels with the 2015 Bargari sacrilege controversy, Warring accused Mann of attempting to undermine the authority of the Akal Takht and warned that the public would hold those involved accountable.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia also called for the chief minister’s resignation. He alleged that money had been used to obtain a forged report aimed at challenging the authority of the Akal Takht Sahib and urged religious leaders to take strict action if the allegations were substantiated.

Majithia also appealed to the BJP-led central government to ensure a thorough investigation and take action against anyone found responsible.

Jaskaran Singh, media adviser at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, described the matter as serious and urged Haryana Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation. He said all individuals involved should be identified and brought to justice.

BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh said the controversy had damaged public confidence in the chief minister. He argued that Mann no longer enjoyed the trust of large sections of the public and questioned his ability to continue in office amid the allegations.

The FIR and subsequent arrests have intensified political tensions in Punjab, with opposition parties seeking to increase pressure on the chief minister. Investigations by Haryana Police are ongoing.