Mann rejects fake forensic report claims, alleges opposition conspiracy

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Chandigarh, June 24

In a significant development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday rejected allegations that forensic reports clearing him in the viral video controversy were fabricated and accused  opposition parties of coordinated attempt to damage his reputation.

The row intensified after Haryana Police arrested two men following a complaint about attempts to obtain a manipulated forensic report linked to the video case involving the Punjab chief minister.

In a video message, Mann said he had been targeted with fake videos over several days and claimed the opposition Congress, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal had “joined hands” to defame him. He also alleged efforts were being made to question him on religious grounds.

Mann maintained that the person seen in the viral clip was not him, arguing that differences in height and physique clearly proved the video was false. He said the clip had already been widely circulated and used to “declare him guilty” in public perception.

The chief minister also said he had received calls from people who believed the video was manipulated. He claimed forensic analysis had already been conducted and alleged that authorities were now pressuring forensic lab owners to alter findings.

According to Mann, some laboratories were being intimidated through police action and FIRs to obtain statements supporting claims that reports were fabricated for payment.

He accused the Congress, BJP and Akali Dal of working together with the sole aim of defaming him and said fake videos were being circulated regularly on social media.

The controversy has triggered political tension in Punjab, especially after the Akal Takht issued an edict earlier this month following claims that forensic labs had found the video to be authentic.

Meanwhile, Haryana Police said they acted after receiving a complaint alleging pressure to procure a false forensic report suggesting the video was AI-generated and misrepresented the identity of the person shown.

Investigators said the complainant, associated with digital forensics, had refused to give a predetermined opinion after reviewing the material, citing insufficient evidence for a reliable conclusion.

Police described the arrests as part of an effort to uncover an alleged conspiracy involving fake cyber and forensic analysis reports connected to the viral video.