Jagmandeep Singh, alias Jagman Samra, the Canada-based NRI who shared the controversial video that sparked a political crisis in Punjab, has alleged that he received the clip from a Rajya Sabha MP. In a nearly five-second video posted on social media, Samra claimed that MP Swati Maliwal had shared the video after being beaten and humiliated by security staff of Arvind Kejriwal.
Samra's Allegations and Maliwal's Silence
Samra stated that the video was shot in a hotel room booked under the name of Jarnail Singh, though details about Jarnail Singh's connection to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remain unclear. He denied any knowledge of who made or recorded the video, or whose phone it was stored on, saying, 'They can go and even check my house.' Despite attempts to reach Maliwal for comment, she was unavailable.
Countering the 'Prosthetic Mask' Claim
In a separate 47-second video shared by senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Samra rebutted CM Mann's claim that a prosthetic mask was used. Samra said, 'Neither has anyone ever brought a mask of CM to me, nor have I made a payment to anyone. If they know anyone, please tell him to come in front of me and say he had delivered it to me and I had made the payment.' He also questioned the authenticity of a forensic report, asking, 'What was the need of procuring a fake forensic report?'
Blasphemy Allegations and Defense
In a second video, 4.2 seconds long, shared by Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira, Samra threatened to release more controversial videos and parodies of sacred verses recited by the CM. He accused Mann of initially claiming the video was AI-generated, then denying it was him, and finally alleging a mask was used. Samra asserted, 'The video was shared through Swati Maliwal.'
Samra's Personal Connection to Mann
Samra claimed he has known Mann since childhood and attended his wedding. He also said he provided Mann with a vehicle for shooting. Swati Maliwal is one of seven Rajya Sabha MPs who recently quit the Aam Aadmi Party and merged with the BJP, according to a letter submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Who is Jagman Samra?
Jagmandeep Singh, alias Jagman Samra, is a Canada-based NRI who escaped from police custody in 2022 while being treated at a hospital after being booked in a Rs 65-lakh cheating case. He was lodged in Faridkot Central Jail after a cheating and criminal conspiracy case was registered against him in Ferozepur on November 28, 2020. On February 1, 2022, two months before Punjab elections, he escaped by deceiving jail guards and fled to Canada.
