CM Mann denies being in viral video, claims man was wearing mask

Spread the news

Chandigarh, June 25

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has presented what he says is evidence that a controversial viral video linked to him was fabricated using a face mask designed to resemble him.Addressing reporters in Mohali on Thursday, Mann alleged that the video was part of a wider conspiracy to damage his reputation and inflame religious sentiments ahead of future elections.

Displaying videos and images during a press conference, Mann on Thursday claimed that a Canada-based man, Jagman Samra, obtained a mask bearing his likeness and used it to create the footage.

“The person in the video is not me,” Mann said, pointing to what he described as visible signs of a mask, including differences in facial features, skin tone, neck contours and a missing surgery scar that he says has been present on his face since childhood.

According to Mann, the video was filmed in a hotel room in Canada. He maintained that he has not visited the country since November 2016 and argued that the room shown in the footage did not exist in its current form during his last visit.

The chief minister said the evidence would be submitted to the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

Mann accused the Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of joining forces to target him politically after failing to challenge his government on governance and development issues.

He said opposition parties were attempting to divert public attention from issues such as employment, electricity, water supply and rural development by focusing on what he described as a fabricated controversy.

The video row has become one of the most politically sensitive issues in Punjab in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the Akal Takht issued an edict against Mann following allegations linked to the video and other remarks concerning Sikh religious institutions.

Mann reiterated his respect for the Akal Takht and said he would appear before it whenever called. “My head has always bowed before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and it always will,” he said.

He also questioned why political opponents were calling for his social boycott while, according to him, similar action had not been taken in other controversies involving political leaders.

The chief minister further alleged that more revelations would follow, including details about who financed, produced and directed the video. He said any findings would be verified before being made public.

Police are already investigating aspects of the case, and Mann said the evidence presented on Thursday would be handed over to the authorities. He added that efforts would be made to pursue legal action against those allegedly involved.