The court asked the Commission to ensure that all SHOs conduct the elections without pressure and investigate complaints impartially. While the court did not order a direct CFSL examination, it stressed that an independent agency should verify the audio and video material submitted by complainants.

A day before the hearing, the Punjab government sent SSP Varun Sharma on a week-long leave and assigned additional charge to Sangrur SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal. Earlier, Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal had released a recording, claiming it captured the SSP instructing officers to obstruct Akali candidates, a claim the Patiala Police dismissed as AI-generated.

The post High Court Orders Neutral Agency Probe into Patiala SSP’s Alleged Viral Audio appeared first on India Podcast.

After recording his statement, Kaler informed the media that he had submitted a copy of his petition and a related video to SIT chief SPS Parmar. He reiterated that he firmly stands by his complaint. Kaler stated that the moment the audio clip surfaced, the Patiala SSP should have been immediately suspended, adding that the government appeared to be standing in his support instead of taking corrective action.

Kaler also criticised the State Election Commission, calling it unfortunate that the Commission, too, had not taken any action against the SSP. He alleged that the SIT seems inclined toward framing opposition leaders in the case rather than conducting an unbiased investigation.

He further said that in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, DIG Patiala has been asked to give a written statement on the matter, and he has demanded that the video be examined through AI and verified through any agency deemed appropriate.

The post Patiala SSP Audio Clip Row: Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kaler Appears Before SIT, Demands Action appeared first on India Podcast.