Punjab Police Files FIR Against Kapil Mishra Over Allegedly Doctored Video of Atishi

The Punjab Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Delhi government minister Kapil Mishra for allegedly uploading and circulating a doctored video clip involving Atishi, the Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly. The case has intensified political tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with sharp reactions emerging from both sides.

According to police officials, the FIR was lodged by the Jalandhar Police following a complaint filed by an individual named Iqbal Singh. The video in question surfaced on social media on January 6 and was purportedly taken from a Delhi Assembly session that was held to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sikh Guru Guru Tegh Bahadur. The viral clip appeared to show Atishi using objectionable language allegedly directed at the revered Sikh figure.

On January 7, Kapil Mishra shared the clip on his social media account, accompanied by a post questioning Atishi’s conduct and suitability to remain a member of the legislative assembly. His post drew widespread attention, rapidly amplifying the controversy across Punjab and Delhi.

As the row escalated, the AAP strongly refuted the allegations, asserting that the video had been deliberately edited. According to the party, Atishi did not use the term “guru” during her speech, and the controversial words were allegedly inserted later to misrepresent her remarks and damage her public image. The party accused its political rivals of attempting to provoke communal sentiments and malign its leadership.

Following the registration of the FIR, a spokesperson from the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate said the investigation is being carried out using scientific and forensic methods. The video clip was reportedly downloaded from Mishra’s social media account and has been sent to a forensic laboratory for detailed examination to determine whether it was manipulated.

The FIR has triggered sharp political reactions. The BJP has alleged that the action taken by Punjab Police was politically motivated and carried out at the behest of the AAP-led Punjab government under Bhagwant Mann. The party claimed the FIR was an attempt to divert attention from an ongoing inquiry by the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly related to the same video.

Kapil Mishra, responding to the FIR, said he was not intimidated by police action and reiterated his claims through social media posts. Several Congress leaders also criticised the move, describing it as an attempt to suppress opposition voices and politicise law enforcement.

The controversy has once again highlighted the growing use of social media clips in political battles and the legal complexities surrounding alleged misinformation. As forensic analysis of the video continues, the case is expected to have wider political and legal implications, especially amid heightened sensitivities around religious sentiments and digital content sharing.