The Shiromani Sikh ad hoc seat, Shri Akal Takht Sahib, on Saturday released a video recording of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s appearance before the Akal Takht and placed in the public domain the interaction between Mann and Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargazi over the controversial viral video that remains at the center of religious and political controversy in Punjab.
According to the video, Mann reiterated that the footage being circulated on social media is “completely fake” and was generated using artificial intelligence (AI). The Prime Minister asserted that in the age of advanced technology, anyone could create a fake video and that scientific and forensic tests were needed to establish the truth.
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The video is from Mr. Mann’s appearance at Akal Takht on January 15, 2026, where he was called to explain his position regarding the disputed video and the allegations related to it. During the interaction, Jathedar questioned the Chief Minister on the history of Sikhism, religious etiquette, the controversy over the video, etc.
At the beginning of the interaction, Jathedar asked Mann if he knew Baba Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Mann responded in the affirmative, citing his understanding based on historical accounts and events related to Operation Blue Star, and explaining Bhindranwale’s role as a key figure associated with Damdami Taksal.
Discussion then turned to the disputed video. Jathedar said it was still investigating whether the video was real or fake and offered to screen it during the lawsuit. But Mann claimed the video was completely fake.
Seeking clarity, Jathedar asked Mann to suggest two forensic laboratories where the video could be examined. He stressed that this issue concerns the honor of the Sikh faith and that unwarranted allegations and defamation of individuals should not be made without proper verification. Mann responded that he could choose any reputable laboratory and assured full cooperation in the investigation.
During the conversation, Mann claimed that the person who disseminated the video had previously uploaded similar content and that the person could not be trusted. He also claimed that the footage in the clip did not match the actual location depicted, citing the difference in setting as evidence to support his claim that the video was manipulated.
Jathedar reiterated the importance of forensic investigation and asked Mann to identify a laboratory that could independently examine the footage. Mann agreed that a thorough investigation needs to be conducted and said he too hopes the matter will eventually be resolved.
This exchange also reflected the Akal Takht’s concern about the sensitivity of the issue related to Sikh religious sentiments. Jathedar said issues related to gurus and Sikh traditions are of paramount importance and require full transparency. He further said that irrespective of political considerations, the loyalty of Punjabis should remain with Panth and Punjab.
The release of the video comes days after the Akal Takht declared Mann as ‘Guru Virodhi’ and ‘Paanth Virodi’ after deliberations by Sikh religious leaders. The decision was announced by the Akal Takht Secretariat of the Golden Temple Complex on June 15, where the Jathedar said that Sikh institutions discussed the issue after receiving reports related to the investigation into the viral video.
The controversy dates back to October 2025, when a Canada-based NRI, Jagmandeep Singh, alias Jagman Samra, uploaded a video online purportedly showing Mr Mann holding a glass of alcohol. The footage, which shows liquid being splashed near portraits of Sikh gurus and other Sikh figures, sparked protests from religious and political groups who said it insulted Sikh sentiments.
After the clip was distributed, Aam Aadmi Party leaders and officials in the prime minister’s office dismissed it as an AI-generated deepfake aimed at tarnishing Mann’s image. Opposition parties and Sikh groups have since called for an independent investigation into the authenticity of the footage.
Mann is the fourth Chief Minister of Punjab to appear before Shri Akal Takht Sahib. Earlier, former chief ministers Bhim Sen Sachar, Surjit Singh Barnala and Parkash Singh Badal also appeared before Sikh secular authorities under different circumstances. During his appearance, Mann reportedly submitted documents and materials supporting his position on the controversy.
