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yesterday

High Court Orders CFSL Test of Patiala SSP Audio, Directs Poll Safeguards in Punjab

The move responds to unresolved questions over the clip's authenticity, prompting a temporary leadership shift in Patiala.

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During the hearing, the SEC told the court that the SSP has proceeded on leave till the culmination of the poll process and an additional charge has been given to Sangrur SSP Sartaj Chahal.
Patiala senior superintendent of police (SSP) Varun Sharma has proceeded on a week-long leave amid the controversy involving a viral audio clip and ahead of a Punjab and Haryana high court hearing on Wednesday. (X)

Overview

  • The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed that the contested audio be examined by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Chandigarh.
  • The court asked the State Election Commission to issue clear instructions to ensure free and fair local-body polls and questioned the pace and rigor of the ongoing probe.
  • During the hearing, the commission said Patiala SSP Varun Sharma is on leave through the poll period, with Sangrur SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal given additional charge.
  • Petitioners Partap Singh Bajwa and Daljit Singh Cheema alleged opposition candidates were blocked from filing nominations, while the state termed the case a political interest litigation.
  • Punjab Police maintain the material is AI-manipulated and have registered a cyber case, even as forensic reports and original-device submissions remain pending ahead of the December 14 vote and December 17 counting.