Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Gurugram Police have arrested two men and registered an FIR over an alleged conspiracy to procure favourable forensic reports in connection with a controversial viral video involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, opening a fresh chapter in a politically sensitive case that has drawn religious and political attention.
The viral video allegedly showed a man resembling Mann engaging in “objectionable activities” with images of the Sikh Gurus and slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The footage sparked widespread outrage and sharp reactions from Sikh organisations, and the Akal Takht declared him as ‘Khalsa Panth virodhi’. The AAP strongly denied the allegations and released forensic reports claiming that the individual seen in the video was not Mann.
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However, a Haryana-based forensic and cyber investigation professional alleged that individuals claiming to be senior Punjab government officials approached him to arrange forensic reports supporting a predetermined conclusion in favour of the Chief Minister. He also alleged that the accused threatened him and forcibly placed around Rs 10 lakh in cash inside his vehicle.
Soon after the FIR was registered over the professional’s complaint, the Crime Branch arrested two accused from Gurugram. They were identified as Arun Mahendra, 25, a resident of Sirsa and Ankit, 25, a resident of Jind.
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According to the complaint Jaspreet, he was invited to meetings at a five-star hotel in Gurugram days ago, where he was allegedly asked to procure reports declaring the video to be AI-generated, manipulated, fabricated or otherwise unreliable, and concluding that the person seen in the footage was not the Punjab Chief Minister.
The professional alleged that he repeatedly informed those present that the available video footage was of insufficient quality to support a credible forensic examination or definitive findings on facial identification, deepfake detection or AI-based manipulation. He also maintained that he was not a certified forensic expert qualified to issue such conclusions. Despite this, he claimed, pressure continued to mount to obtain reports endorsing a specific narrative.
According to the complaint, he was threatened with serious consequences, including harm to his family, if he failed to arrange the reports. He further alleged that around Rs 10 lakh in cash was forcibly placed inside his vehicle as an inducement.
He further alleged that after expressing his inability to prepare the reports, he was introduced to two individuals — Arun Mahendra of Sirsa and Ankit of Jind — who were allegedly handed pen drives by Punjab government officials during meetings in Panchkula and Delhi.
The complainant further alleges that forensic reports were subsequently obtained from two private entities, Cipher Sentinel Lab and Cyberyan Labs, claiming that he was unaware of the accreditation, credentials or official recognition of either organisation.
A key allegation in the FIR is that draft versions of the forensic reports were allegedly shared with senior officials over WhatsApp, who suggested changes and additions before the reports were finalised to ensure findings favourable to a predetermined narrative. The complainant further alleged that when he questioned the authenticity and credibility of the reports and the organisations issuing them, he was threatened and pressured into remaining silent.
He claimed the entire exercise was part of a pre-planned effort to influence public discourse and the investigation surrounding the controversial video. He sought a detailed probe into the role of all those involved in preparing, drafting, approving, circulating and relying on the reports.
The complaint also sought the preservation and seizure of digital evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, emails, WhatsApp chats, CCTV footage, cloud storage records and other electronic material relevant to the case. Claiming a threat to his life and the safety of his family, the forensic professional, Jaspreet, also sought police protection.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Gurugram Police said the case was registered following a preliminary inquiry, technical analysis, examination of digital evidence, scrutiny of financial transactions and other available material.
Investigators said they are examining the identities of those allegedly involved in preparing the forensic reports, the credentials and legal status of the organisations that issued them, the financial trail behind the alleged payments, the role of other conspirators and beneficiaries, and whether there was any attempt to tamper with digital evidence.
Electronic devices, documents and other materials seized during the investigation will also undergo scientific examination.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
