Akal Takht Releases Video Of Bhagwant Mann’s Appearance Before It Over Controversial Video

Jun 20, 2026, 09:26:05 PM | TOI.in

The Akal Takht has released an audio recording purportedly of a January 15 conversation involving officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the chief minister's aide Rajbir Singh Ghuman amid the controversy over an allegedly objectionable video linked to Mann. In the recording, all sides appear to agree on the need for a forensic examination to determine whether the clip is genuine or doctored. Gargaj is heard saying that he could not independently verify the video's authenticity and that an investigation was required. Mann repeatedly describes the footage as fake and expresses support for a forensic probe. The development comes days after the Akal Takht declared the video was not doctored and labelled Mann "Guru Dokhi" and "Khalsa Panth Virodhi". The controversy continues to fuel political debate in Punjab.