Says Evidence Will Be Sent to Sri Akal Takht

Sahib

Mohali, 25 June (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister

Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday claimed that a fake video circulated on social

media to malign his image on religious grounds was created using a mask

resembling him. Addressing the media, the Chief Minister presented videos and

other material, alleging that a conspiracy had been hatched by his political

opponents to defame him because they could not challenge him politically.

Mann said the fabricated video was allegedly shot in a

hotel room in Canada, while he had not visited Canada since 2016. He identified

Canada-based Jagman Samra as the person who, according to him, used the mask to

create the video. The Chief Minister said the mask was delivered to Samra in a

car and that Samra was later seen holding it. He claimed that the same mask was

placed on another person and the video was recorded.

Explaining the visuals frame by frame, Mann said the

mask line, facial contours, ears, skin colour and neck movement clearly showed

that the face in the video was artificial. He also said that his permanent

surgery mark on the chin, which he has had since childhood, was missing from

the person seen in the video. According to him, the makers of the video even

used dark glasses because the eyes could not be properly recreated through the

mask.

The Chief Minister said the matter would be placed

before Sri Akal Takht Sahib along with the evidence. Reaffirming his respect

for Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Mann said he had appeared there earlier as a humble

Sikh and would appear again without hesitation if called. He said he could

never challenge the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

Mann alleged that religious sentiments were being

misused for political gain. He said some political parties were trying to turn

people against him by circulating fabricated videos. He questioned why boycott

boards were put up against him outside Gurdwaras, while similar action was not

taken against those held responsible in earlier religious and political

controversies.

Targeting opposition parties, Mann said the Congress,

Akali Dal and BJP had come together only to attack him. He said the Congress,

which was responsible for the attack on Sri Akal Takht Sahib in 1984, was now

claiming to protect its dignity. He also accused the Akali Dal of having a

history linked with sacrilege cases and criticised the BJP over Operation Blue

Star.

Mann said his government had taken several decisions for

the social, economic and religious welfare of Punjab, including strict

anti-beadbi legislation, tax waiver for vehicles carrying Palki Sahib, holding

a Vidhan Sabha session at Anandpur Sahib and granting holy city status to three

sacred cities.

He said an FIR had already been registered and the evidence would be handed

over to the police. Mann added that efforts would be initiated to bring Jagman

Samra back through Interpol. He said more details, including who financed and

directed the alleged operation, would be revealed after verification.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH