Punjab Police Initiates FIR Over Alleged Doctored Video Involving AAP MLA Atishi
Introduction to the Controversy
On Friday, the Punjab Police lodged a first information report concerning the dissemination of a purportedly manipulated video that allegedly depicts Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Atishi making derogatory remarks about Guru Tegh Bahadur during a session in the Delhi Assembly.
Details of the FIR
The video in question was shared by Kapil Mishra, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the police have not disclosed the identities of those named in the FIR.
A complaint from an individual named Iqbal Singh prompted the Jalandhar police commissionerate to register the case.
Forensic Examination Findings
According to unnamed police sources, a forensic analysis of the video indicated that Atishi did not use the term 'guru' as alleged.
Background of the Incident
The controversy ignited after the BJP accused Atishi of making inappropriate comments about the Sikh leader during a special discussion in the Delhi Assembly, which commemorated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Mishra's video of the alleged remarks circulated widely on social media.
Atishi's Response
Atishi has denied the accusations, asserting that her comments were directed at the BJP's avoidance of discussions regarding the escalating air pollution in Delhi and their protests concerning stray dogs.
She claimed that the BJP intentionally misrepresented her words by adding a misleading subtitle that included Guru Tegh Bahadur's name.
Assembly Disruptions
The allegations against Atishi led to significant disruptions during the Winter Session of the Assembly, with both the BJP and AAP trading accusations of disrespect towards Guru Tegh Bahadur. On Thursday, Speaker Vijender Gupta ordered a forensic investigation into the video.
Police Statement and Investigation
A spokesperson from the Jalandhar police commissionerate stated that numerous social media posts featuring a brief video clip of Atishi allegedly making offensive remarks about Sikh Gurus, accompanied by inflammatory captions, had been identified.
The investigation was conducted methodically, and the video containing Atishi's audio was reportedly downloaded from Kapil Mishra's social media account.
This video has been sent to a forensic science laboratory for further examination.
Reactions in the Delhi Assembly
During the Assembly session on Friday, BJP MLAs highlighted the FIR filed in Punjab, asserting that it constituted a breach of privilege since recordings from within the Assembly are exclusive to the House.
Speaker Gupta remarked that the Assembly would formally address the issue and consider appropriate actions against the Jalandhar police commissioner.
Political Fallout
Meanwhile, the Punjab Congress claimed that its MLAs, Sukhpal Khaira and Pargat Singh, had also been implicated for sharing the allegedly doctored video.
In a social media statement, Khaira described the FIR filed against him and Singh as a shocking example of extreme political vendetta by the Bhagwant Mann government.