Cricketer-turned-politician Harbhajan Singh faced an online correction from law enforcement after sharing a viral video depicting two men motionless by a roadside, which he claimed reflected the drug crisis in Punjab. According to Punjab Police, the footage actually originated in the state of Rajasthan rather than Punjab.
Viral Video Triggers Fact-Check by Punjab Police
The controversy began when Harbhajan Singh posted a clip on social media showing two individuals standing in rigid, slumped postures, a physical state frequently associated in social media commentary with synthetic or heavy narcotics use. Sharing the video with his followers, Singh linked the scene to the ongoing drug epidemic affecting Punjab, writing that the footage illustrated the state of affairs in the region.
However, the official handle of Punjab Police quickly pushed back against the claim. Law enforcement authorities stated that the video was not filmed in Punjab at all, but rather in Sri Ganganagar, a district in neighboring Rajasthan. The correction drew widespread attention across digital platforms as users examined the geographical origin of the viral media.
Political Reactions and Public Debate
Following Singh’s post and the subsequent police clarification, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responded to the claims, criticizing the circulation of unverified location data regarding narcotics issues.
The incident highlights the growing challenge officials face regarding the rapid spread of out-of-context video clips on social media platforms. While public figures often use their reach to highlight social crises such as addiction, law enforcement agencies are increasingly utilizing digital channels to correct misinformation regarding where and when incidents take place.
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