Atishi Sikh gurus remark row escalates: BJP’s Sirsa questions Punjab Police forensic probe, Delhi Speaker seeks report

PTC Web Desk:  The controversy surrounding alleged remarks against Sikh gurus by AAP MLA and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has intensified, triggering a political and legal confrontation between Delhi and Punjab. The issue gained further momentum after a Jalandhar court ordered the removal of the disputed video from social media platforms.

Senior BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has launched a sharp attack on the Punjab Police, raising serious questions over its handling of the forensic examination of the video. Sirsa alleged that the Punjab Government acted in haste and manipulated the process to shield Atishi, turning the matter into what he termed a “Delhi versus Punjab government” dispute.

Adding to the controversy, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has issued a notice to the Punjab Government’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) department, seeking a detailed explanation regarding the forensic analysis. The Speaker has asked the laboratory to clarify the procedure followed in the examination and submit its response within the stipulated timeline.

Sirsa alleged that the forensic verification of the video was carried out without collecting any audio or voice samples from Atishi, questioning how the authorities could determine the authenticity of the voice in the absence of such evidence. He claimed that the Punjab Government was repeatedly changing its stand to protect an AAP leader from Delhi.

The controversy originated when BJP leader Kapil Mishra shared a video on social media with subtitles, alleging that Atishi used objectionable language against Sikh gurus during a discussion in the Delhi Assembly. Following this, the Punjab Police sent the video for forensic analysis to the Mohali-based FSL, which reportedly declared the clip to be edited. Subsequently, AAP demanded Kapil Mishra’s resignation.

Sirsa accused the AAP leadership, including party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, of habitual dishonesty, stating that the party was piling “one lie upon another” to suppress what he described as Atishi’s falsehood. He further alleged that the Punjab Government was misusing its police machinery, media influence and social media networks to present the narrative in Atishi’s favour.

Questioning the legal process, Sirsa said it was unprecedented for a state government to fight a case on behalf of a legislator from another state. “Atishi’s alleged act took place in the Delhi Assembly, yet the Punjab Government is contesting the case in courts,” he said, calling it deeply embarrassing.

Sirsa also flagged procedural lapses in the investigation, claiming that the FIR was registered late at night on January 6, shortly after the controversy surfaced in Delhi. He alleged that the forensic review cited in the police report was conducted by a senior constable and relied on an AI tool, Gemini, to verify the video. He questioned the credibility of such an assessment for a matter of serious constitutional and religious sensitivity.

Sirsa alleged that although several BJP leaders’ social media URLs were mentioned in the police investigation, none of them were made parties to the case. He claimed that the Punjab Police itself became a party to the case while lodging the FIR through one of its own personnel, conducting the probe internally and submitting the report to the court.

He also criticised the police for not summoning Atishi for questioning, not collecting her voice sample and not seeking the original video recording from the Delhi Assembly. Drawing a comparison, Sirsa pointed out that in an unrelated Patiala SSP case, the Punjab Police had earlier cited the absence of audio samples as a reason for delaying forensic analysis.

Raising broader concerns, Sirsa accused the Punjab Police of misplacing its priorities, alleging that while gang violence and extortion cases continue to plague the state, law enforcement agencies were instead monitoring social media accounts of political opponents to defend Atishi.

Meanwhile, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has directed the Punjab FSL to submit its explanation by January 22. He has also granted time to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, citing personal bereavement, and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner, citing the President’s visit, to respond by the same date.

In addition, officials who claimed that the cyber cell was not linked to the case have been instructed to appear in person. Under the ongoing privilege proceedings, Leader of Opposition Atishi has been asked to submit her reply by January 19.