# Drug-related unrest and political tension in Punjab

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drug-related-unrest-and-political-tension-in-punjab
> Updated: 2026-10-28T05:51:23.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

A series of drug-related incidents has triggered investigations, protests, and political criticism across Punjab. In the Kapurthala district, authorities intervened after a video went viral showing a child, aged 10 to 13, allegedly consuming drugs. The child was moved to a de-addiction center for medical testing, while opposition parties criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government regarding the effectiveness of anti-drug campaigns.

Tensions escalated in Mansa and Patiala. In Mansa, a family blocked a main road to protest the suspected drug overdose death of 35-year-old Daljit Singh, demanding the arrest of suppliers; the demonstration resulted in clashes with police. In Patiala, a Central Reserve Police Force jawan staged a sit-in at Government Rajindra Hospital after alleging he discovered drug paraphernalia in a ward. This incident led to further allegations of staff misconduct and physical confrontation with police, which authorities have denied.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Punjab drug allegations spark protests and political tension

Protests in Punjab have broken out following a suspected overdose death in Mansa and allegations of drug paraphernalia being found at a government hospital in Patiala.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-drug-allegations-spark-protests-and-political-tension

### 2026-10-22: Punjab authorities investigate viral video of child allegedly using drugs

Police in Punjab are investigating a viral video allegedly showing a child consuming drugs in Kapurthala, sparking political criticism over the state's anti-drug enforcement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-authorities-investigate-viral-video-of-child-allegedly-using-drugs

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Cite as: Drug-related unrest and political tension in Punjab. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drug-related-unrest-and-political-tension-in-punjab