Chandigarh, 18 June (H.S.): Punjab’s political

atmosphere has heated up after Akal Takht Sahib summoned Chief Minister

Bhagwant Mann and his cabinet ministers in connection with a controversial

viral video. While the Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar, citing an FSL report, had

declared the video to be genuine, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema

on Thursday released reports from two laboratories and claimed that the person

seen in the video was not Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The controversy relates to allegations that CM Mann

allegedly consumed liquor in front of pictures of Sikh Gurus and sprinkled it.

A purported video of the incident had gone viral on social media. Akal Takht

Sahib had ordered an investigation into the video and later declared the Chief

Minister guilty of religious misconduct and anti-Panthic conduct.

Akal Takht Sahib has summoned the Chief Minister and

other cabinet ministers on June 29. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party claimed that

the video was examined from 1,191 different angles. According to the party, the

analysis included the Chief Minister’s face, body structure, height, gait and

other physical features. AAP leaders said both laboratories were independent,

recognised by the Government of India and located outside Punjab.

The party claimed that the reports clearly show that the

person in the video is not CM Bhagwant Mann and alleged that an actor was used

to prepare the video. AAP leaders said they would also meet the Director

General of Police, Punjab, and demand a detailed probe into the matter.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that the

Shiromani Akali Dal and Sukhbir Singh Badal “and company” tried to defame the

Chief Minister through a fake video. He said the people of Punjab had now seen

how the Akali Dal was allegedly using fabricated videos to hurt religious

sentiments and disturb peace in the state.

AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu said the party had now got the video examined

by two laboratories. He added that a party delegation would meet the DGP and

demand an investigation into the people behind the alleged conspiracy, whether

they were based in India or abroad.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH