CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 12 — Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu described online commentary by prominent personalities, including former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, as a coordinated effort to harm the reputation of the state, its administration, and law enforcement agencies.
Addressing media representatives in Chandigarh, Pannu affirmed that a video recently circulated by public figures claiming to portray conditions in Punjab actually originated from Rajasthan. He stated that inaccurate media posts are being amplified online without factual verification primarily to drive engagement and view counts.
The media head questioned the selective commentary of high-profile critics regarding broader drug enforcement issues across the country. He noted that while narcotics smuggling remains a complex global challenge requiring coordinated international measures, state agencies in Punjab are carrying out direct, ground-level actions.
“The video being circulated on social media by celebrities such as Harbhajan Bhajji and Sonu Sood, claiming it to be from Punjab, is not from Punjab but from Rajasthan,” stated Baltej Pannu. “Without knowing any facts, such a bogus video is being posted to defame Punjab merely to garner ‘likes’ and ‘views’.”
Detailing law enforcement metrics, Pannu maintained that state police have registered 56,267 cases and named 75,552 accused between March 2025 and early August 2026. Authorities seized over 3,500 kilograms of heroin, substantial quantities of other contraband, and confiscated over twenty-one crore rupees in drug-related funds under ongoing operations.
Pannu asserted that community involvement through local Village Defence Committees and direct mobile reporting mechanisms is actively reshaping public safety. He maintained that state youth are increasingly redirecting their energies toward athletics, pointing to Punjab’s strong representation in national cricket and hockey teams.
