Atishi video sparks Delhi-Punjab clash
A forensic report on a controversial video clip linked to Leader of Opposition Atishi has triggered a fresh political flashpoint between the BJP-led Delhi Assembly and the AAP governments in Delhi and Punjab. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Saturday said a forensic science laboratory (FSL) report had concluded that the video allegedly showing Atishi making remarks disrespecting Sikh Gurus was original and untampered.
Gupta announced that he would direct a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into what he described as parallel and questionable forensic actions initiated outside Delhi. Earlier, police in AAP-ruled Punjab claimed that their forensic examination revealed that the video was “doctored”.
In response to the statement by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the BJP government in Delhi is free to demand a CBI probe into the issue of the forensic report over the alleged remarks by AAP leader Atishi in the Delhi Assembly. Mann pointed out that forensic investigation has already established that Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi did not say any such thing which insults the Sikh gurus. Addressing the media, Mann said “The forensic report has come, and the court has also made its position clear. But if the BJP believes that the CBI is above even the forensic laboratory, then it should go ahead and order a CBI probe as well.”
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal also wrote to Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, seeking the disqualification of Leader of Opposition Atishi as MLA over her alleged blasphemous remarks against Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Badal urged Gupta to recommend the registration of an FIR against Atishi. The AAP leader’s remarks “deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community”, the former deputy chief minister said.
Earlier, addressing a press conference, Gupta said a forensic science laboratory report on the veracity of the video related to Leader of Opposition Atishi’s alleged remarks disrespecting Sikh gurus has stated that the clip was original and without any tampering. The Speaker said Atishi should meet him and apologise over the matter.
Reading out key portions of the FSL report, Gupta quoted: “Regarding the authenticity and genuineness of the video, it is to state that we have received transcription and listened to the same at the laboratory and there is no indication of any form of alteration, tampering in the identified video shot on the basis frame by frame analysis using video analyst system.” Speaker further said the forensic examination was carried out by taking into account all relevant facts and by following due process.
He added that the report clearly establishes that the verbatim record and the audio-video footage are identical.” As per the FSL report, there has been no tampering or manipulation whatsoever in the audio or video recording of the House proceedings,” Gupta said, asserting that the findings uphold the authenticity of the Assembly records and the integrity of the legislative process.
Gupta announced that he would direct a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into what he described as parallel and questionable forensic actions initiated outside Delhi. “The Assembly also warns the Punjab chief minister to refrain from interfering in its affairs and seeking to cover up the matter through political manipulations,” Gupta stated. Gupta said Atishi should meet him and apologise, else the assembly will take a serious view of it.
In a social media post, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the FSL report has clarified that the video of the Assembly Secretariat of January 6, when LOP Atishi made a “shameful, undignified” remark against the sacrifices of Sikh gurus was 100 per cent correct and was not tampered with.
Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, who shared the video on his social media handle, asserted that the FSL report has established the “sin” committed by Atishi. A bigger sin was committed by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who “misused” the Punjab Police to protect her, Mishra charged.
