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
Jun 15, 2026 04:59 PM
Bhagwant Mann liquor-splash video row: Akal Takht declares CM Bhagwant Mann 'Guru Dokhi', anti-Khalsa Panth
Jun 15, 2026 04:57 PM
The resolution terms Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann as having committed an offence against Guru and as being opposed to Khalsa Panth. It further appeals to Sikh community not to maintain any association with or extend any recognition to him (CM Mann).
Jun 15, 2026 04:56 PM
Today, a gathering of five Sikh High Priests (Panj Singh Sahiban) deliberated seriously on the complaint submitted against the Chief Minister.
Since When Sri Akal Takht Sahib sought an explanation from the Chief Minister regarding the video, he claimed that it had been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, when he was asked in writing to provide details of two laboratories that could verify his claim, no response was received.
Jun 15, 2026 04:54 PM
Second Resolution
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj: "The Chief Minister is heard saying that people steal money from Golak (donation box). If he has the courage, he should try taking money from the Golak of any Gurdwara and show it publicly. In a video, the Chief Minister is seen sprinkling alcohol on photographs of Sikh Gurus. He is also shown engaging in disrespectful acts toward pictures of revered saints and sprinkling alcohol on them. When questioned about the video, the Chief Minister claimed that it was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). On January 27, Sri Akal Takht Sahib sent a letter asking him to provide the names of two laboratories for verification, but no response was received. Subsequently, we got the video examined by two laboratories recognised by the Government of India. The forensic examination concluded that the video is neither fake nor AI-generated."
Jun 15, 2026 04:52 PM
All Sikh MLAs who have signed this law are hereby called upon. On June 29, all Sikh MLAs and the entire Cabinet are summoned to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib: Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj
Jun 15, 2026 04:51 PM
All current Sikh MLAs summoned to Akal Takht over anti-beadbi (sacrilege) law
Jun 15, 2026 04:48 PM
Akal Takht Jathedar objects to Beadbi law, says Panth was not consulted
Jun 15, 2026 04:41 PM
WATCH LIVE
Jun 15, 2026 04:41 PM
Gaini Kuldeep Singh Gargaj begins address
Jun 15, 2026 04:36 PM
Meeting of Panj Singh Sahibans concludes
Panj Singh Sahibans have arrived at Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj will address from the ramparts (Faseel) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj will address from the ramparts of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in a few moments
Jun 15, 2026 03:26 PM
A major decision will be announced from the Akal Takht Sahib premises in five minutes
Jun 15, 2026 02:34 PM
Meeting postponed to 3.30 pm
Jun 15, 2026 02:06 PM
Detailed report
Jun 15, 2026 01:53 PM
Meeting of Panj Singh Sahiban at 2.30 pm
Bhagwant Mann liquor-splash video row: 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.