Two arrested for allegedly ‘fabricating forensic report’ in CM Mann video case 

Spread the news

Gurugram, June 24

A cyber forensics professional’s complaint has led to the arrest of two men in Gurugram over allegations that fake forensic and cyber-analysis reports were created in an attempt to influence the narrative around a viral video linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh.  a high-profile controversy. The Gurugram Police said that the arrests were made hours after a case was registered at DLF Sector-29 police station. The police officials  described the matter as a serious attempt to manipulate digital evidence and forensic findings. According to the complaint, the whistleblower, who works in digital forensics and electronic evidence analysis, was approached by individuals claiming to be senior officials from the Punjab government. He alleged that he was asked to help secure forensic reports that would support a predetermined conclusion — namely, that the person seen in a viral video was not the individual at the centre of the controversy and that the allegations linked to the video were false.

The complainant told police that he was introduced to several people during the process and that reports were allegedly produced in the names of cyber and forensic organisations whose credibility later came under question. He further alleged that a large sums of money were offered to facilitate the work and that the reports were repeatedly revised until they reflected a desired outcome.

Police documents state that the complainant claimed he was given ₹10 lakh in cash, while other individuals involved in preparing the reports were allegedly paid through different channels.

The matter took a darker turn, according to the complaint, when the forensic expert began questioning the authenticity of the reports and the organisations behind them. He alleged that he was threatened and pressured not to disclose details of the operation.

Following the complaint, Gurugram Police launched an investigation involving digital evidence, financial transactions and technical analysis. Officers said the preliminary findings were sufficient to register a criminal case under relevant sections of the law.

A special team from the Crime Branch’s Sector-40 unit was formed to investigate the allegations. The team arrested two suspects from Gurugram on Tuesday. They have been identified as 25-year-old Ankit Mahendru from Sirsa in Haryana and another 25-year-old man, Ankit, from Jind district.

Police say investigators are now examining who commissioned the reports, whether the organisations named in them actually exist, how money was transferred and whether digital evidence was tampered with. Electronic devices, documents and other materials seized during the investigation are being subjected to forensic examination.

Officials said efforts are under way to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy. They added that assistance from technical experts and agencies in other states could be sought if required. In a statement, Gurugram Police said any attempt to manipulate forensic investigations, digital evidence or scientific findings would be dealt with firmly under the law. Investigators said the inquiry would continue wherever the evidence leads and that no individual would be considered above the law.