Harbhajan Singh bowls political ‘doosra’ as cops confirm viral Punjab drugs video

BJP MP Harbhajan Singh is at the centre of another political row over a viral video linked to Punjab's drug problem, with Punjab Police now confirming that the footage he shared is from Jagraon.

The former cricketer had shared a video showing a young man allegedly taking drugs under the Jagraon Bridge. Police said the footage may be old but confirmed that the man seen in it was arrested by Ludhiana Police on August 12.

Also read | BJP MP Harbhajan Singh’s post over ‘zombie drug’ video draws criticism after Punjab Police clarification

The clip was originally posted on X by BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu, whose post Harbhajan quoted while hitting out at his critics. He said "paid trolls" would now claim that even the Jagraon bridge was in Rajasthan.

The clarification comes days after Harbhajan was criticised for sharing a separate video from Rajasthan as footage from Punjab. The clip was later fact-checked and traced to Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.

Police confirm Jagraon location

Punjab Police said the latest video could be old, but confirmed that the man seen allegedly taking drugs under the Jagraon Bridge was arrested by Ludhiana Police on August 12.

The development comes amid an ongoing political clash over Punjab's drug problem, with Opposition leaders using viral videos to target the Bhagwant Mann government. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), meanwhile, has been highlighting its action against drugs and drug networks.

Also read | Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann launches ‘Soorma’ drive with recovered drug addicts in lead

Earlier video triggered political row

On August 11, Harbhajan Singh had shared another video related to drugs. He posted a clip showing two apparently intoxicated men standing in a strange, motionless state on a road and said Punjab's youth deserved better.

The video was widely circulated on social media, with several users claiming the men were under the influence of a "zombie drug".

AAP leaders and Punjab Police, however, said the footage was actually from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan and had no connection with Punjab.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused BJP leaders of spreading a lie and questioned whether the Prime Minister's Office was involved.

"Many BJP people spread this lie together yesterday. Did the order come from the PMO? Does the PMO spread lies in the country?" Kejriwal charged.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused Singh of "peddling BJP's lies" and demanded an apology.