Akal Takht Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has claimed that forensic tests on two controversial videos involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have confirmed they are authentic. The statement was made during a gathering of Panthic organisations at the Akal Takht on Monday.
Forensic Tests from Two Separate Labs Confirm Authenticity
According to NDTV, Gargaj stated that the videos were sent to two different laboratories for forensic examination. Both labs reportedly concluded that the footage was genuine and not generated by artificial intelligence. The Jathedar shared the videos along with the forensic reports with representatives of the Panthic organisations present at the meeting.
The meeting, which is still ongoing, aims to gather the views of these organisations on the matter. Several speakers who addressed the gathering called for strict action in response to the findings, as reported by PTC News.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy surrounds two videos that have been circulating online, allegedly showing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in questionable situations. Earlier, Mann had dismissed one of the viral videos as AI-generated, suggesting it was a deepfake. However, the Akal Takht Jathedar's latest claim challenges that assertion.
According to The Financial World, the Jathedar specifically mentioned that the liquor-related video of Mann was found to be authentic and not AI-generated. This directly contradicts the Chief Minister's earlier stance.
No Official Response Yet from CM's Office
The Tribune has contacted the Chief Minister's Office for a response to these claims. As of now, the office has not issued any statement. The report is expected to be updated once a response is received.
"The meeting is continuing in order to seek their views on the matter." — PTC News
Our Take: A Serious Development That Demands Transparency
In our view, this is a significant development in Punjab's political landscape. The claim that forensic tests from two independent labs have confirmed the authenticity of these videos puts the Chief Minister in a difficult position. If the videos are indeed genuine, it raises serious questions about the conduct of a sitting CM. However, it is equally important to note that these are still claims made by the Akal Takht Jathedar. The Chief Minister's Office has not yet responded, and a thorough, independent investigation may be needed to settle the matter definitively. The public deserves clarity, and both sides should present their evidence transparently.
