JALANDHAR, June 21 – Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Thursday confirmed that a joint police and departmental inquiry is underway after a video allegedly showing a doctor consuming narcotics went viral on social media.
The video, which has sparked public outrage, appears to show a man in casual clothes preparing white powder with a credit card and then sniffing it while a woman, reportedly filming the clip, can be heard in the background. Toward the end, the man is seen attempting to snatch the camera. Social media users claim the man is a practicing doctor based in Jalandhar.
“This issue came to my notice immediately, and I marked an inquiry without delay,” said Dr. Singh while speaking on the sidelines of the “CM Di Yogshala” event. “The scourge of drugs affects everyone, not just the youth. No community or profession is immune.”
The inquiry is being led by Civil Surgeon Dr. Gurmeet Lal in coordination with Rama Mandi police. The Health Department has also deputed a drug inspector to aid in sample collection and forensic procedures, officials said.
While Civil Surgeon Lal could not be reached for comment, Rama Mandi SHO Sukhdev Singh confirmed, “The Health Department is taking the lead in the investigation, and we are extending all necessary support.”
In a further development, another video — allegedly showing the same individual slapping a woman in a public place while bystanders look on — has also surfaced online. However, the Reporting Times could not independently verify the identity of the individual in either video.
When asked whether the man’s identity had been officially confirmed, the Health Minister stated, “Everything has been done. The inquiry is almost final.”
The case has intensified concerns about the reach of drug abuse in Punjab, particularly within trusted public service sectors. Officials said appropriate action would be taken once the inquiry concludes.
