Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Deepfake Video Controversy: Forensic Disputes and Arrests in Fabrication Plot
The political landscape of Punjab has been shaken by a controversy surrounding a video allegedly showing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sprinkling alcohol on photographs of Sikh Gurus. The video surfaced in October 2025, sparking outrage and leading to a prolonged debate over its authenticity. The Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat, summoned Mr. Mann in January 2026 to address the allegations. Mr. Mann maintained that the person in the video was not him.
Months later, on June 15, 2026, the Sikh clergy at Akal Takht declared Mr. Mann as 'Guru Dokhi' (a betrayer of the Guru) and 'Khalsa Panth Virodhi' (an opponent of the Khalsa Panth), citing allegations that he made false statements about the video. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj stated that two forensic laboratories had confirmed the video as 'authentic'.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Punjab, claimed on June 18, 2026, that forensic tests by two independent laboratories recognized by the Government of India found no match between the person in the video and CM Mann. This claim was met with skepticism from opposition parties, who questioned how the AAP obtained such reports within two days of the Akal Takht edict.
On June 24, 2026, the controversy took a new turn when Gurugram police in Haryana arrested two men accused of hatching a plan to fabricate forensic and cyber analysis reports related to the video. The arrested individuals were identified as Arun Mehandru, 25, and Ankit, 25, both residents of Haryana. According to the FIR, the case stems from a complaint by digital forensics professional Jaspreet Jassi, who alleged that persons claiming to be senior Punjab government officials approached him to arrange a report supporting a predetermined conclusion that the person in the video was not Mr. Mann. The complaint also alleged that modifications were sought to tailor findings, and monetary inducements, including a payment of around ₹10 lakh, were offered.
Police stated that Mr. Ankit, a contractual employee with a Delhi government department, prepared a report in the name of 'Cipher Sentinel Lab', and Mr. Arun, a contractual employee in a Panchkula government department, issued a report under the name of 'Cyber Yaan Lab'. Investigators confirmed that neither laboratory exists physically nor is registered with any government authority. The accused were remanded to eight-day police custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
On June 25, CM Mann claimed that the video was fake, created using a mask resembling his face by Canada-based NRI Jagmandeep Singh (alias Jagman Samra). He alleged a conspiracy to defame him on religious grounds after his political opponents failed to challenge his government's work. He also dismissed allegations that two IPS officers traveled to Gurugram in connection with the case, calling them false.
The incident has highlighted the growing challenge of deepfake technology in political discourse and the importance of robust forensic verification. The Akal Takht's edict and the subsequent arrests have deepened the political divide in Punjab, with the AAP and opposition parties trading accusations. As the investigation proceeds, the case underscores the need for transparent procedures in verifying digital evidence.
