Concentrated sulphuric acid and manganese(IV) oxide were added to the solid. On warming a gas was evolved which turned litmus colourless.

The answer is that Cl2 gas was evolved and chloride ion is present.

Can you please explain the reaction that took place?

If you can get Cl2 gas from mixing H2SO4 and MnO2 and warming, you're a better chemist than I. Are you sure it wasn't concentrated HCl and MnO2?