Punjab, India – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was hospitalized with severe stomach pain and vomiting shortly after publicly drinking a glass of water from the heavily polluted Kali Bein stream in an attempt to prove the water was safe.

In a widely publicized event, Mann drank the water from the river — long criticized for contamination from sewage and industrial waste — while surrounded by supporters. The demonstration was intended to reassure residents about water quality.

Photos from the event show Mann drinking the water, while a separate image shows him in a hospital bed afterward receiving treatment.

The incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking intense debate. Many questioned whether the Chief Minister’s sudden illness was directly linked to the stunt, while others called for greater attention to the river’s pollution problems.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of Mann’s hospitalization. The Kali Bein, considered a holy river by many, has been the focus of cleanup efforts in recent years, but concerns about its safety persist.

This event has highlighted ongoing environmental challenges in the region and raised questions about public demonstrations involving health risks.

We wish Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a speedy recovery. Further updates on his condition and any investigation into the water quality are expected.