Atishi Gets Clean Chit In Fake Video Row, Forensic Report Confirms Clip Was Doctored

A major controversy broke out recently involving Delhi's Leader of Opposition and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Atishi after a short video clip of her went viral on social media.

The clip allegedly showed her making disrespectful remarks against Sikh Gurus during a Delhi Assembly session. The caption on the video read, "When the House was honouring the Gurus," and it claimed that Atishi insulted Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

However, a forensic report has now revealed that the viral video was edited and manipulated. The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate has registered an FIR in the case, calling it a serious instance of fake news and political conspiracy. The incident highlights how misinformation on social media can be used to spread religious tension and political rivalry.

How the Controversy Started

The matter began on January 7, 2026, when the Delhi Assembly held a special discussion to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. After the tribute, the session moved on to other topics like Delhi's pollution crisis. During the debate, Atishi criticized BJP legislators, accusing them of avoiding important discussions.

She said, "Then go ahead and discuss! Why have you been running away since morning? You say 'respect the dogs, respect the dogs!' Hon'ble Speaker, please allow this discussion."

Soon after, BJP leader and minister Kapil Mishra posted an edited version of this video on his X (formerly Twitter) account. The clip had fake subtitles and misleading captions suggesting that Atishi had insulted Sikh Gurus.

The post quickly went viral, gaining thousands of likes and shares, and stirred outrage in Delhi and Punjab. BJP leaders demanded that Atishi's Assembly membership be cancelled and an FIR filed against her. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta ordered a forensic probe into the video.

What the Forensic Report Found

Jalandhar Police downloaded the video from Kapil Mishra's X post and sent it to the Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory (SAS Nagar) for examination. The report dated January 9, 2026, confirmed the following:

Atishi never used the word "Guru" in her speech.

The video was deliberately edited and tampered with.

False captions were added to misrepresent her remarks.

The clip was cut and rearranged to make it appear as if she had insulted Sikh Gurus.
The investigation concluded that the video was fake and created to gain political advantage. Following a complaint by Iqbal Singh, Jalandhar Police registered an FIR against those who shared and promoted the edited clip.

The case involves charges under the Indian Penal Code for hurting religious sentiments and spreading fake information. Police officials said the investigation is ongoing and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

Political Reactions: AAP vs BJP

The Aam Aadmi Party dismissed the allegations, saying the BJP tried to drag Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's name into politics. Atishi said, "The video was from a pollution debate, not about the Gurus. BJP twisted my words to mislead people." The AAP accused the BJP of spreading hatred against Sikhs for political gain.

BJP leaders, including Kapil Mishra, maintained that Atishi's comments were disrespectful and demanded an apology. They disrupted proceedings in the Assembly and repeated their call for her removal.

However, after the forensic report came out, the BJP has not issued any new statement. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which had earlier sought legal action, has also remained silent since the report's release.

What This Incident Shows

This case once again exposes the dangers of fake content and edited videos on social media-especially in an election year. Indian laws under the IT Act and IPC allow punishment for spreading false or inflammatory material online.

The controversy also reflects how religion and politics are often mixed to create public outrage.

The forensic findings and FIR have cleared Atishi of wrongdoing. The episode serves as a reminder to always verify information before believing or sharing it. Political leaders, too, must act responsibly to ensure that social harmony is not damaged for short-term gains.