Delhi Speaker Issues Notices To Punjab Police After Jalandhar Registers FIR Against Kapil Mishra Over Atishi Video

New Delhi: The spat between the BJP and the AAP over the allegation made by the former that Delhi Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Atishi had insulted Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, shows no signs of abetting. Instead, both sides have dug their heels in, with police in Jalandhar, which is in AAP-ruled Punjab, registering an FIR against Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra on Friday based on the video posted by Mishra on his X handle, followed by Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta holding a press conference on Saturday to announce that the Delhi government has issued notices to three key Punjab police officers, including the DGP and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner, seeking a response within 48 hours (by January 12 or earlier).

The Jalandhar FIR states that the word "Guru" was added to the video through manipulation. A Jalandhar Police Commissionerate spokesperson said the FIR was registered on the complaint of a Iqbal Singh, adding that his office immediately sent the video to the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Punjab (SAS Nagar) for examination. According to the forensic report received on Friday (January 9), Atishi did not utter the word "Guru" in the video, which was tampered.

In response, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said the recording belongs to the House, and that no political party or individual has the right to use it. “Punjab Police will have to explain under what authority they registered an FIR against a Delhi government minister based on this video and initiated an investigation,” he said.

Where It Began

The origin of the controversy was a statement by Atishi. She claims on Tuesday (January 6), she was trying to raise the issue of Delhi's toxic air pollution, once a discussion on the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom was wrapped up, and a discussion on the L-G's address had begun. Claiming that the people of Delhi are dying from pollution, Atishi had allegedly said, "They say respect dogs, respect your guru." This statement was immediately amplified by BJP ministers as being offensive, for referring to Sikh Gurus and dogs in the same sentence.

AAP Punjab Leaders React

After the FIR was registered in Jalandhar, Barnala AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said, “All these videos are being distorted and presented using AI. Everyone knows which party uses religion in politics across the country. The AAP is a secular party and respects all religions. We have always done the politics of development. But the opposition [BJP in Punjab] has no other issue against it, so they are playing this game, just to defame us.”

AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda chimed, "The video was deliberately edited, which is why a case has been registered in Jalandhar.” Citing the Punjab Police forensic report, he claimed the video was fake, and accused BJP leader Kapil Mishra and Congress leaders of sharing it. He demanded an apology from both the parties to the Sikh community.

Delhi BJP Leaders Respond

Regarding the FIR, Mishra posted on his X handle, "Kejriwal ji, your FIR and the fear of police cannot scare us. The video is in the records of the Delhi Assembly, and the whole world has heard the video. Since that day, Atishi has not dared to come to the Assembly, even though the Speaker called her several times. The Punjab Police are neglecting the investigation of crimes in Punjab and are instead, trying to cover up the crime committed by your LoP. Atishi committed a crime, but by protecting her, you are committing an even greater sin."

Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said the matter concerns a breach of privilege of the House. The video, on the basis of which the FIR has been registered, is a recording from inside the House, and is thus a property of the House.

"Taking such action on the basis of this video, and registering an FIR against a minister, is a serious matter, raising a case of breach of privilege against the Jalandhar Police Commissioner."

He added, "This makes the question 'On what basis could this case be registered?' extremely important. The House will take necessary action against the Jalandhar Police Commissioner, for improperly interfering with the property of the House. When the video was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory to satisfy the concerns of the Opposition, why did they have to get a separate forensic analysis done? Calling the video 'tampered', when it was recorded in the House, is itself against the dignity of the House. The House will take strict action against all those involved in this conspiracy."

Ashish Sood Raises Heat

On the FIR filed against Mishra, Delhi Home and Education Minister Ashish Sood said the Opposition has crossed all limits. "The House decided to send the video for forensic examination on the demand of the Opposition. Despite this, filing a case against Kapil Mishra by conducting a fabricated forensic examination of a supposed document or video is a misuse of the Punjab government's machinery," he said.

Sood added, "The Jalandhar Commissioner will be summoned before the House under the privilege of contempt of the House. No one has the right to interfere in the affairs of the House, or to take law into their own hands. When Kejriwal was in power in Delhi, or before that, when the Congress was in power, we never feared anything while in the Opposition. But today, when we are in government, attempts are being made to intimidate and suppress our voice through lawsuits."

The minister also said, "We won't tolerate any insult of the Gurus and will ensure these culprits are punished. Legal action is a matter for the House. The Speaker has considered this a breach of privilege. The Jalandhar Commissioner will be summoned. Any further legal action will be taken according to law. No one has the right to interfere in the affairs of the House."

Also Read:

1. On Atishi Controversy, AAP Fights Back, Demands BJP Government Release 'Controversial' Video
2. Delhi Ministers Demand Cancellation Of Atishi's Assembly Membership For "Insulting" Guru Tegh Bahadur
3. Delhi Assembly Disrupted As BJP Demands Apology From Atishi Over Shaheedi Diwas Remark
4. On First Day Of Assembly, AAP MLAs Wear Masks, Exchange Blame With BJP Over Delhi's Pollution Crisis