Forensic probe ordered into video row involving Atishi, Delhi Assembly disrupted

The Delhi Assembly Speaker, Vijender Gupta, on Thursday ordered a forensic examination of a video clip that allegedly shows Leader of Opposition Atishi insulting Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur , triggering sharp political exchanges and repeated disruptions in the House.

The controversy stems from a special discussion in the Assembly related to a Delhi government programme held in November last year to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur , one of Sikhism’s most revered figures. Earlier this week, BJP leaders circulated a video on social media, claiming that Atishi had made insensitive remarks about the Guru during Assembly proceedings.

Atishi has categorically denied the allegation, asserting that the video was manipulated. She said her original remarks were aimed at the BJP for avoiding a debate on pollution and staging protests in the House over the stray dog issue. According to her, the BJP deliberately added misleading subtitles and inserted the Guru’s name into the clip to falsely portray her as making disrespectful comments.

The competing claims led to chaos in the Assembly , with BJP MLAs entering the well of the House, raising slogans, and demanding Atishi’s disqualification as an MLA for allegedly disrespecting the Sikh Guru. The Speaker was forced to adjourn the House multiple times as members from both sides continued protests and counter-sloganeering.

Amid the deadlock, Speaker Vijender Gupta directed that the video be sent for a forensic probe , following demands from both the ruling BJP and the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for an independent verification of the clip’s authenticity. The forensic examination will assess whether the video has been edited, altered, or digitally manipulated, including scrutiny of audio-visual continuity, subtitles, and metadata. The Speaker has asked that the forensic report be submitted within 15 days.

The findings of the probe are expected to be crucial in determining the veracity of the allegations and the next course of action in the matter, especially given the religious sensitivities involved and the political implications within the Assembly.

Atishi is a senior AAP leader and a prominent face of the party’s governance record, particularly in the education sector. She also served a brief term as Chief Minister of Delhi in 2024, making her one of the youngest leaders to hold the post, before a change in political leadership in the capital. Her recent stint as CM has kept her in the political spotlight, adding further significance to the current controversy.

The outcome of the forensic probe is being closely watched, as it is seen not only as decisive for this case but also as a test of how alleged digital manipulation of political content is addressed within legislative forums.