'Attempt To Malign Punjab's Image': AAP Minister Slams Harbhajan Singh Over His 'Zombie Drug' Post

News india 'Attempt To Malign Punjab's Image': AAP Minister Slams Harbhajan Singh Over His 'Zombie Drug' PostLast Updated:August 11, 2026, 21:09 ISTThe controversy also drew a response from Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, who questioned why several BJP leaders appeared to amplify the same claim.Rapid ReadSummarized by AI.+Got Question about the News?File photo of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh (L) and screengrab from the video. (Source: X)A social media post by BJP MP Harbhajan Singh, featuring a video purportedly showing the impact of a “zombie drug" in Punjab, has triggered a political controversy after Punjab Police clarified that the footage was actually recorded in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar.The video showed two young men allegedly staggering along a roadside and was circulated as an example of Punjab’s drug problem. However, after the footage was flagged, Punjab Police clarified that it was not from Punjab but from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.Recommended StoriesBRICS Summit 2026: Here Are The 5 Biggest Takeaways From The Historic New Delhi EditionUttarakhand’s Road Safety Crisis: 775 Killed In Accidents In First 7 Months This YearAdult Film Star, Audi & Arms: Viral Video Raises Fresh Questions Over Odisha's Rourkela Circuit HouseWoman Dies Nearly Six Months After Love Marriage, Husband Held Over Rs 30 Lakh & SUV Dowry DemandPunjab Police Fact-Check Harbhajan Singh“The video being circulated is from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan—not Punjab—and has no connection with Punjab Police," the Punjab Police wrote on X in response to the Rajya Sabha MP’s post.The video being circulated is from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan—not Punjab—and has no connection with Punjab Police.A Punjabi audio track does not make an incident a Punjab incident.We urge users and social media accounts to verify the facts and location before posting… https://t.co/bNHwjXVXsC— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) August 10, 2026The clarification prompted Punjab leaders to hit back at the BJP and question the authenticity of the claims being made about the state’s drug crisis. Punjab Minister Dr Baljit Kaur accused the BJP of attempting to malign Punjab by presenting a video from Rajasthan as footage from the state.AAP Targets BJPThe controversy also drew a response from Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, who questioned why several BJP leaders appeared to amplify the same claim.Harbhajan Singh had shared the video while expressing concern over the drug situation in Punjab and questioning the government over the issue. However, the revelation about its actual location shifted the focus to the authenticity of the post and whether adequate verification had been carried out before sharing it.The controversy comes against the backdrop of Punjab’s long-running struggle with drug abuse. The state government has cited official figures showing that around 73,541 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered and nearly 98,596 people were arrested between 2022 and 2026.The government has also highlighted its ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign and initiatives such as ‘Pind De Pehredar’ and a mobile application aimed at increasing community participation in the fight against drugs.While the drug crisis remains a major political issue in Punjab, the latest controversy has shifted the debate towards the responsibility of political leaders to verify social media content before sharing it. Opposition parties have argued that criticism of the government should be based on verified incidents and authentic data rather than footage from another state.News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismQuick AnswersPowered byAsk News18The 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' campaign is an anti-drug initiative launched by the Punjab government. It aims to combat drug networks and promote a drug-free Punjab. The campaign involves a multi-pronged strategy, including strict enforcement against drug smugglers, and has recently focused on training over 21,850 teachers to identify and address mental health concerns and early signs of drug abuse in students.Powered byAsk News18About the AuthorNews DeskThe News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ...Read MoreLocation :Punjab, India, IndiaFirst Published:August 11, 2026, 21:09 ISTDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Loading comments...Read More