Bathinda Grain Market Video Sparks Drug Debate in Punjab; Sukhbir Badal Targets Mann Government

Bathinda: A video purportedly showing a young woman appearing disoriented in a public place in Bathinda has triggered a fresh political debate over Punjab’s drug problem.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal shared the video on social media, expressing concern over the safety of women and young people in Punjab. He alleged that the incident reflects the continuing impact of drugs in the state and criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Punjab government over its handling of the issue.

In his post, Badal said that Punjab’s daughters should be safe from the drug menace and accused the government of failing to protect the state’s youth. He also alleged that the government was focusing on publicity rather than addressing the drug problem.

Bathinda drug cases

The video comes amid continuing enforcement activity against narcotics and habit-forming drugs in Bathinda. In March 2026, Bathinda police reported the seizure of more than 8.2 lakh capsules of pregabalin and tramadol, with two people arrested in connection with the case. Police said a large quantity was recovered from a pharmacy warehouse in the Bathinda grain-market area. Hindustan Times

Drug-related enforcement and political exchanges have remained a recurring issue in Punjab, with opposition parties and the state government frequently trading allegations over the effectiveness of anti-drug measures.

Political reaction

Badal’s latest comments add to the SAD’s criticism of the Mann government on the drug issue. The allegations in his social-media post represent his political position; the circumstances surrounding the woman shown in the video, including whether drug use was involved, would require independent verification.

The incident has nevertheless renewed public discussion about drug abuse, public safety and the effectiveness of measures aimed at tackling substance use in Punjab.