KAPURTHALA:

A disturbing video showing a young child allegedly consuming narcotics in Punjab's Kapurthala district has ignited a fierce political controversy, intensifying public concern over the state's escalating drug crisis.

The footage, which has circulated widely across social media platforms, purportedly features a child between the ages of 10 and 13 using an intoxicating substance. While the exact circumstances and the child's age are awaiting formal verification from authorities, the clip has triggered immediate backlash from opposition leaders and renewed intense scrutiny of the state government's flagship anti-drug campaign.

The incident follows closely on the heels of the recent killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, an event that had already heightened political tensions in the state ahead of upcoming assembly elections.

Immediate Administrative Response

Following the swift dissemination of the video, local police administration and health authorities intervened. According to official reports, the child has been admitted to a local hospital for comprehensive medical evaluation and care.

Medical professionals are conducting necessary diagnostic tests to assess the child's overall health and determine the extent of exposure to harmful substances. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have launched an inquiry to trace the source of the narcotics and identify individuals who may have facilitated access to minors.

Political Fallout and Opposition Outcry

The viral footage has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, amplifying questions regarding the efficacy of ongoing state enforcement measures.

Opposition leaders staged protests, wearing black cloth around their necks to condemn the worsening drug menace. Legislators highlighted that the incident demonstrates how narcotics have increasingly penetrated younger demographics, including teenagers and pre-teens.

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal voiced strong condemnation over the footage, describing it as a devastating indicator of systemic failure. In a public statement, she accused the administration of allowing the drug mafia unchecked access to vulnerable and impoverished children.

Broader Implications for State Policy

The convergence of activist violence and the latest viral evidence has placed the state administration under intense pressure to reevaluate its counter-narcotics strategy. Experts and political stakeholders emphasize that beyond medical rehabilitation for affected youths, rigorous investigative measures are urgently required to dismantle supply networks operating near local communities.