ED Questions Ludhiana Police Commissioner in Alleged Forensic Report Fabrication Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma in connection with allegations that forensic and cyber-analysis reports were improperly arranged to support claims about a controversial video allegedly linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
According to The Times of India, Sharma was questioned for more than four hours at the ED’s Chandigarh office on Monday. The investigation stems from a First Information Report registered by Gurugram Police on 23 June following a complaint by forensic and cyber expert Jaspreet Singh.
Singh allegedly claimed that two senior Punjab Police officers pressured him to arrange reports supporting the position that the disputed video was fake, digitally altered or generated using artificial intelligence. Investigators reportedly examined allegations that ₹10 lakh was paid in connection with preparing the disputed reports.
Two individuals, Arun Mahendru and Ankit, were previously arrested over their alleged roles in preparing the reports. The allegations remain under investigation, and the questioning of Sharma does not establish wrongdoing.
Forensic reports can influence investigations, court proceedings and public understanding of disputed digital evidence. Their credibility depends on independent examination, transparent methodology and conclusions supported by reproducible findings.
In a video-authenticity investigation, examiners may analyse the original recording, metadata, compression artefacts, audio-video synchronisation and potential signs of manipulation. Claims of AI generation should be supported by appropriate technical testing and corroborating evidence rather than assumptions based solely on visual appearance.
The case also highlights the importance of preserving original media, documenting every analytical step and maintaining clear records of how conclusions were reached. Independent peer review can help identify weaknesses in methodology or interpretation.
The ED questioning follows the earlier Gurugram Police investigation into the alleged preparation of disputed forensic reports. Sharma has previously stated that his team visited Gurugram in connection with a cyber-fraud investigation.
The disputed video's authenticity and the allegations surrounding the preparation of forensic reports remain separate questions that require evidence-based assessment.