Punjab Police fact-checks video shared by BJP MP NEW DELHI: BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh came under fire after he shared a video of two apparently intoxicated men on Monday, claiming it showed the sorry state of Punjab’s youth. Punjab Police and AAP leaders later said the footage was actually from Rajasthan.“very sad to see the situation of Punjab,” Singh wrote on Monday night.“Punjab and its youth deserve better. This issue needs honesty, accountability, and urgent action – not denial,” he added.In a longer message accompanying the video, Singh questioned successive governments over the drug situation in Punjab.“What have the governments done to Punjab and its Punjabi youth? Where have they brought Punjab to? The Punjab that was once known for its high spirits, courage and bravery, today that same Punjab’s youth has been engulfed by drugs. There is still time – save my Punjab,” he said.Singh had quit the AAP and joined the BJP in April.The post quickly drew criticism from AAP leaders, who accused Singh of using a video from another state to portray Punjab in a negative light.What is the ‘zombie drug’?“Zombie drug” commonly refers to xylazine, a veterinary sedative found in illicit drug supplies and also known as “tranq” or “tranq dope”. The video went viral on social media, with users claiming the two men appeared to be under the influence of drugs, including what was described as a “zombie drug”. However, Singh did not use the term in his post while sharing the clip.Punjab Police fact-checks videoThe claim was challenged by Punjab Police, which said the video was not from Punjab but from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.“The video being circulated is from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan – not Punjab,” Punjab Police said in a post on X.The police urged social media users to verify the location and facts before sharing such material.“We urge users and social media accounts to verify the facts and location before posting misleading content or tagging Punjab Police. Responsible sharing matters. @harbhajan_singh,” it said.Punjab Police also addressed the Punjabi audio accompanying the clip, saying, “A Punjabi audio track does not make an incident a Punjab incident.”AAP hits back at BJP MPThe police clarification prompted sharp criticism from AAP leaders.AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned whether the BJP’s messaging was coordinated.“Many BJP people spread this lie together yesterday. Did the order come from the PMO? Does the PMO spread lies in the country?” Kejriwal said.Punjab cabinet minister Baljit Kaur accused Singh of deliberately sharing footage from Rajasthan to portray Punjab negatively.“Look at the desperation to please his political bosses. He is sharing a video from Rajasthan and lying that it is from Punjab.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“You will do anything for ‘BJP ki dalali’, even if it means ruining Punjab’s image. The people of Punjab will never forgive you for this,” she said on X.Punjab cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO also attacked the BJP MP, alleging that the party uses misinformation to target Punjab.“This is the BJP’s standard modus operandi: manufacture lies and use sell-outs like Harbhajan to constantly defame Punjab. This video is from Rajasthan, but he lies to ruin the image of the state that gave him his entire career. Punjabis see right through this dirty propaganda,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan Claim123PhotostoriesBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlookMix these 5 things with Castor Oil for incredible hair growthKKR cricketer Ramandeep Singh and actress Charlie Chauhan’s love story: From keeping it private to a dreamy ceremonyNatasha Poonawalla makes a case for maximalist dressing in an archival Versace Banarasi skirt suit7 types of South Indian coffee every coffee lover should try10 local Jharkhand dishes that offer a taste of its rich food cultureNew York’s lost buildings: 10 landmarks that once defined the city but no longer exist10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debuts123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani
NEW DELHI: BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh came under fire after he shared a video of two apparently intoxicated men on Monday, claiming it showed the sorry state of Punjab’s youth. Punjab Police and AAP leaders later said the footage was actually from Rajasthan.“very sad to see the situation of Punjab,” Singh wrote on Monday night.“Punjab and its youth deserve better. This issue needs honesty, accountability, and urgent action – not denial,” he added.In a longer message accompanying the video, Singh questioned successive governments over the drug situation in Punjab.“What have the governments done to Punjab and its Punjabi youth? Where have they brought Punjab to? The Punjab that was once known for its high spirits, courage and bravery, today that same Punjab’s youth has been engulfed by drugs. There is still time – save my Punjab,” he said.Singh had quit the AAP and joined the BJP in April.The post quickly drew criticism from AAP leaders, who accused Singh of using a video from another state to portray Punjab in a negative light.
What is the ‘zombie drug’?
“Zombie drug” commonly refers to xylazine, a veterinary sedative found in illicit drug supplies and also known as “tranq” or “tranq dope”. The video went viral on social media, with users claiming the two men appeared to be under the influence of drugs, including what was described as a “zombie drug”. However, Singh did not use the term in his post while sharing the clip.
Punjab Police fact-checks video
The claim was challenged by Punjab Police, which said the video was not from Punjab but from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.“The video being circulated is from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan – not Punjab,” Punjab Police said in a post on X.The police urged social media users to verify the location and facts before sharing such material.“We urge users and social media accounts to verify the facts and location before posting misleading content or tagging Punjab Police. Responsible sharing matters. @harbhajan_singh,” it said.Punjab Police also addressed the Punjabi audio accompanying the clip, saying, “A Punjabi audio track does not make an incident a Punjab incident.”
AAP hits back at BJP MP
The police clarification prompted sharp criticism from AAP leaders.AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned whether the BJP’s messaging was coordinated.“Many BJP people spread this lie together yesterday. Did the order come from the PMO? Does the PMO spread lies in the country?” Kejriwal said.Punjab cabinet minister Baljit Kaur accused Singh of deliberately sharing footage from Rajasthan to portray Punjab negatively.“Look at the desperation to please his political bosses. He is sharing a video from Rajasthan and lying that it is from Punjab.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
“You will do anything for ‘BJP ki dalali’, even if it means ruining Punjab’s image. The people of Punjab will never forgive you for this,” she said on X.Punjab cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO also attacked the BJP MP, alleging that the party uses misinformation to target Punjab.“This is the BJP’s standard modus operandi: manufacture lies and use sell-outs like Harbhajan to constantly defame Punjab. This video is from Rajasthan, but he lies to ruin the image of the state that gave him his entire career. Punjabis see right through this dirty propaganda,” he said.
![Representative image BENGALURU: Nasa has invited Isro to join its Moon Base programme, opening a new avenue for India-US cooperation in lunar exploration and human spaceflight.The Moon Base was announced during Nasa’s “Ignition” event on March 24, 2026, where the US space agency unveiled a series of initiatives designed to achieve President Donald J Trump’s National Space Policy and advance American leadership in space.The invitation to Isro was extended during the 9th meeting of the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG), held at Isro headquarters in Bengaluru on Aug 5 and Aug 6.The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries to advance civil and commercial space cooperation under the US-India Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology (TRUST) Initiative.The invitation builds on the growing partnership between the two countries under the Artemis Accords, which seek to establish principles for the peaceful and sustainable exploration of the Moon and beyond.“Nasa invited Isro to join its Moon Base program, building on the two countries’ partnership under the Artemis Accords. The two sides also agreed to advance discussions for cooperation on open scientific data sharing under the [Artemis] Accords,” the US Embassy said in a statement on Tuesday.The two sides discussed expanding collaboration in future space science and human spaceflight technologies. The meeting came after the successful launch of Nisar, the joint Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar mission, last year. Nisar is designed to provide detailed observations of changes on Earth’s land and ice surfaces and is the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies to study the planet.The two countries also “reaffirmed their commitment to advancing guidelines on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities through the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS),” the statement read, adding that the teams reviewed ongoing multilateral efforts aimed at strengthening the committee’s effectiveness.The CSJWG meeting was addressed by Department of Space secretary V Narayanan and US ambassador to India Sergio Gor. It was co-chaired by M Sankaran, director of Isro’s UR Rao Satellite Centre, and US officials Wesley Brooks, assistant secretary of state for oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs, and Kathleen Karika, Nasa associate administrator for international and interagency relations.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Moon Base invitation comes as the US-led Artemis programme moves towards establishing a sustained human presence around the Moon. India became a signatory to the Artemis Accords in 2023, committing to principles governing peaceful exploration, scientific cooperation and the sustainable use of space resources.For India, participation in the Moon Base programme could extend its involvement in lunar exploration beyond its Chandrayaan missions and provide opportunities for collaboration in science, technology and human spaceflight. The US and India have already identified human spaceflight as an area for deeper cooperation, including through the broader strategic partnership between their space agencies.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan Claim123PhotostoriesBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlookMix these 5 things with Castor Oil for incredible hair growthKKR cricketer Ramandeep Singh and actress Charlie Chauhan’s love story: From keeping it private to a dreamy ceremonyNatasha Poonawalla makes a case for maximalist dressing in an archival Versace Banarasi skirt suit7 types of South Indian coffee every coffee lover should try10 local Jharkhand dishes that offer a taste of its rich food cultureNew York’s lost buildings: 10 landmarks that once defined the city but no longer exist10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debuts123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1786444733_photo.jpg "Representative image BENGALURU: Nasa has invited Isro to join its Moon Base programme, opening a new avenue for India-US cooperation in lunar exploration and human spaceflight.The Moon Base was announced during Nasa’s “Ignition” event on March 24, 2026, where the US space agency unveiled a series of initiatives designed to achieve President Donald J Trump’s National Space Policy and advance American leadership in space.The invitation to Isro was extended during the 9th meeting of the India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group (CSJWG), held at Isro headquarters in Bengaluru on Aug 5 and Aug 6.The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries to advance civil and commercial space cooperation under the US-India Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology (TRUST) Initiative.The invitation builds on the growing partnership between the two countries under the Artemis Accords, which seek to establish principles for the peaceful and sustainable exploration of the Moon and beyond.“Nasa invited Isro to join its Moon Base program, building on the two countries’ partnership under the Artemis Accords. The two sides also agreed to advance discussions for cooperation on open scientific data sharing under the [Artemis] Accords,” the US Embassy said in a statement on Tuesday.The two sides discussed expanding collaboration in future space science and human spaceflight technologies. The meeting came after the successful launch of Nisar, the joint Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar mission, last year. Nisar is designed to provide detailed observations of changes on Earth’s land and ice surfaces and is the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies to study the planet.The two countries also “reaffirmed their commitment to advancing guidelines on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities through the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS),” the statement read, adding that the teams reviewed ongoing multilateral efforts aimed at strengthening the committee’s effectiveness.The CSJWG meeting was addressed by Department of Space secretary V Narayanan and US ambassador to India Sergio Gor. It was co-chaired by M Sankaran, director of Isro’s UR Rao Satellite Centre, and US officials Wesley Brooks, assistant secretary of state for oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs, and Kathleen Karika, Nasa associate administrator for international and interagency relations.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Moon Base invitation comes as the US-led Artemis programme moves towards establishing a sustained human presence around the Moon. India became a signatory to the Artemis Accords in 2023, committing to principles governing peaceful exploration, scientific cooperation and the sustainable use of space resources.For India, participation in the Moon Base programme could extend its involvement in lunar exploration beyond its Chandrayaan missions and provide opportunities for collaboration in science, technology and human spaceflight. The US and India have already identified human spaceflight as an area for deeper cooperation, including through the broader strategic partnership between their space agencies.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Amit Shah Jawab Do’ Vs ‘Rahul Gandhi Bhaago Mat’: NDA, Oppn Face-Off In Parliament’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan Claim123PhotostoriesBefore cholesterol reaches the heart, it may leave clues elsewhere: 7 changes doctors say not to overlookMix these 5 things with Castor Oil for incredible hair growthKKR cricketer Ramandeep Singh and actress Charlie Chauhan’s love story: From keeping it private to a dreamy ceremonyNatasha Poonawalla makes a case for maximalist dressing in an archival Versace Banarasi skirt suit7 types of South Indian coffee every coffee lover should try10 local Jharkhand dishes that offer a taste of its rich food cultureNew York’s lost buildings: 10 landmarks that once defined the city but no longer exist10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debuts123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani")
