Chandigarh: Three men have been arrested after a video purportedly showing youths consuming drugs inside a public toilet in Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Rupnagar district, went viral on social media. Police said they recovered 76 intoxicant capsules from the accused and that all three tested positive in dope tests.

The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns over drug abuse in Punjab, with the video raising questions about alleged substance consumption in public spaces.

Viral video leads to police action

According to the person who recorded the video, he caught two brothers allegedly consuming drugs inside a public toilet in Sri Chamkaur Sahib. When he questioned them about their presence inside the facility, the youths reportedly said they had come to use the bathroom.

However, the person claimed that he captured their alleged drug consumption on camera. The footage later circulated widely on social media, prompting police action.

Following the video’s circulation, Rupnagar Police confirmed that three people had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The footage has attracted attention because it purportedly shows drug consumption taking place inside a public facility. However, the allegations against the individuals are being dealt with through the police investigation and legal process.

Police recover 76 intoxicant capsules

Inspector Shivendra Singh, Station House Officer (SHO) of Sri Chamkaur Sahib police station, said police received information from individuals about youths allegedly consuming drugs in the area.

Acting on the complaint, police arrested three persons and recovered 76 intoxicant capsules from their possession, the officer said.

The SHO also stated that all three accused tested positive in their dope tests. The recovery and test results form part of the police action following the complaint and the circulation of the video.

Police have registered a case under Section 27 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The case has been registered through FIR No. 200, dated November 9, 2026.

Three accused identified

The arrested persons have been identified as Kuldeep Singh and Sandeep Singh, alias Sanju, both residents of Sri Chamkaur Sahib, and Hardeep Singh, a resident of Kiri Afgana village.

All three have been produced before a court, according to the police.

The investigation follows the complaint about alleged drug consumption in the public toilet and the subsequent recovery of intoxicant capsules. The police have not provided further details about the source of the capsules or whether the accused were allegedly involved in any wider drug supply network.

The arrest of three people and the recovery of the capsules mark the immediate police response to the incident. Further details may emerge as the legal proceedings and investigation progress.

Drug abuse remains a concern in Punjab

The incident has once again brought the issue of drug abuse in Punjab into focus. The alleged consumption of intoxicants inside a public toilet has also raised concerns about the presence of substance abuse in everyday public spaces.

The viral footage has drawn attention to the role of citizens in reporting suspected drug-related activity. In this case, the person who recorded the video reportedly alerted others to what he witnessed, after which information reached the police.

While the arrests and recovery have resulted in police action, the case also highlights the wider challenge of addressing drug abuse through enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation.

Drug-related incidents can have consequences for individuals, families and communities. Alongside action against offences involving narcotic substances, sustained public awareness and access to support services remain important parts of tackling substance abuse.

The three accused have been produced before a court, and the case will proceed through the legal process. The allegations against them must be established in accordance with the law.