Mohali, October 21 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has become the target of a smear campaign after a fake video surfaced online, allegedly created to malign his image. Police investigations have identified the accused as Jagman Samra, a native of Sangrur district currently residing in British Columbia, Canada.
Following a detailed probe, the Mohali Cyber Cell registered an FIR against Samra under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The case has been filed under Sections 340(2), 353(1) & (2), 351(2), and 336(4) of the BNS, officials confirmed.
According to police, Samra uploaded the fake video on Facebook, where it quickly went viral. Preliminary investigations revealed that he made two posts, one of which read, “This is just a trailer. Anyone who proves it’s AI will get one million dollars.” Officials suspect that up to seven such manipulated videos might have been created and circulated from abroad.
Investigators are now analyzing the videos to determine the tools and methods used for their creation, including potential use of artificial intelligence for content manipulation. The posts, uploaded roughly 14 and 9 hours ago, are being examined for digital footprints to trace their exact source and authenticity.
Authorities described the incident as a serious cybercrime aimed at spreading misinformation and defaming a sitting Chief Minister. Efforts are underway to identify and take action against all individuals involved in producing and disseminating the fake content.
