Hyderabad: 3 held for filming drug ‘offering’ to Lord Shiva on Shivaratri; CP Sajjanar warns of NDPS action

Hyderabad: Police have detained three youths for allegedly displaying narcotic substances as a mock ‘offering’ to Lord Shiva and posting the video on social media during Maha Shivaratri. The incident triggered swift police action after the video went viral online.

Commissioner Sajjanar condemns act

Hyderabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar, IPS, strongly condemned the act, calling it “heinous” and a “perverted display of madness.” Taking to the social media platform X, he warned that such actions would not be tolerated and that strict legal action would follow.

“Do you think this is an act of bravery? Absolutely not. It is a serious offence that can land you behind bars. Once the NDPS Act is invoked, you may regret it for life,” he cautioned.

He further criticised the growing tendency to chase likes and views at the cost of values and personal safety.

“Do not sacrifice your golden future for momentary social media fame. Use social media as a platform for creativity, not as a gateway to addiction,” he stated.

Task Force swiftly responds

Following the Commissioner’s post, the Charminar Zone Task Force acted promptly and apprehended three youths from Falaknuma’s Jangammet area. The accused were later handed over to the Falaknuma Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Video goes viral

The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing a group of young men allegedly presenting narcotic substances as a so-called “divine offering” to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

The video quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism and prompting immediate intervention from law enforcement authorities.

Police reiterated that offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act carry severe penalties and warned that similar acts would invite stringent action.

Authorities have urged citizens, especially youth, to act responsibly on social media and avoid engaging in illegal or offensive content for online attention.