Bhagwant Mann liquor-splash video row: Akal Takht declares CM guilty of disrespecting Guru and anti-Panth, Jathedar says liquor video is authentic
Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar claims forensic investigations by multiple laboratories have confirmed that the controversial Bhagwant Mann liquor-splash video is genuine and not AI-generated or edited
Jun 15, 2026 05:21 PM
Following the controversy, Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on January 5 over an allegedly objectionable video and his remarks on several Sikh issues, including comments related to the Golak (donation box).
In response to the summons, CM Mann appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib on January 15. He arrived at the Golden Temple barefoot. After paying obeisance at the shrine, he proceeded to the Akal Takht Secretariat carrying two black bags reportedly containing documents and evidence related to the matter.
Jun 15, 2026 05:20 PM
Video controversy explained in three points
Video Released by an NRI
The controversy first surfaced in October 2025 when an NRI released a video online. The viral clip allegedly showed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann holding a glass of liquor.
In the video, CM Mann is purportedly seen standing in front of portraits of Sikh Gurus and other revered Sikh religious figures. Alcohol from the glass appears to splash onto the sacred portraits. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and several Sikh religious organisations condemned the footage, describing it as a violation of Sikh Maryada and an act of grave disrespect towards the Gurus.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and sources associated with the Chief Minister’s Office initially rejected the allegations, asserting that the video was entirely AI-generated and a deepfake designed to malign the Chief Minister’s image. Following the controversy, the Shiromani Akali Dal demanded a forensic examination of the video.
Jun 15, 2026 05:08 PM
In the third resolution passed by Panj Singh Sahiban, Nishan Singh, president of a gurdwara in Winnipeg, Canada, along with the members of its five-member management committee, has been declared Tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct).
The resolution states that the Sikh Panth should not maintain any association with them until they seek forgiveness for their actions.
According to the directive issued from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the gurdwara management was found to have disregarded the sentiments of the Sikh congregation by removing certain photographs from the gurdwara premises. The action was viewed as a failure to uphold Sikh traditions and established religious code of conduct (Maryada).
The Sikh congregation has been directed not to engage with or extend recognition to the office-bearers concerned and committee members.
The resolution further states that they have failed to conduct affairs in accordance with Sikh Maryada. Until they personally appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and present their explanation, the Sikh community has been advised to refrain from maintaining any association with them.
Jun 15, 2026 05:06 PM
Third resolution by Panj Singh Sahiban: Winnipeg gurdwara president and 5-member committee declared Tankhaiya
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{{{content}}}Bhagwant Mann liquor-splash video row:Â Â The controversy surrounding the alleged video showing liquor being splashed near a photograph of Guru Sahib, purportedly involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, took a fresh turn on Monday after the Akal Takht Jathedar claimed that multiple forensic examinations had confirmed the authenticity of the footage.
Addressing the media, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the video had already been subjected to detailed forensic analysis and that no evidence of editing, tampering or artificial intelligence (AI)-generated manipulation had been found.
The controversy erupted after a video allegedly showing liquor droplets being sprayed on a photograph of Guru Sahib surfaced on social media, triggering outrage among sections of the Sikh community. Supporters of the Punjab Government had questioned the authenticity of the footage, with some alleging that it may have been digitally altered or created using AI tools.
Rejecting such claims, the Jathedar said reports from several forensic laboratories, including two leading laboratories in India, had concluded that the video was genuine.
"The investigation into the video has already been completed. Multiple laboratory reports have confirmed that neither was the video generated through AI nor was any editing carried out," he said.
The Jathedar also threw an open challenge to the Punjab Government, saying it was free to have the video examined by any agency or laboratory of its choice if it still had doubts regarding the findings.
He further stated that if directed by Sikh Panth, a meeting of five Singh Sahibans could be convened immediately to deliberate on the matter. A strict decision, he added, could be announced from the Akal Takht Sahib after due consideration.
The remarks are likely to intensify the political and religious debate surrounding the issue, which has remained a sensitive matter in Punjab and among Sikh religious circles.