The Punjab Police are facing severe criticism after a controversial post appeared on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, sparking outrage and accusations of insensitivity. The now-deleted post featured an AI-generated image that resembled the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 in the United States. The image depicted a light-skinned police officer with the Indian flag superimposed on his face, pinning down a dark-skinned man marked with the Pakistani flag. The accompanying caption read, "If you are caught with this flag, be prepared to suffer the consequences".

The post quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from social media users across India and beyond. Many criticized the Punjab Police for using a painful moment in American history as a means of intimidation. Critics also pointed out how the meme trivialized George Floyd's murder and the global racial justice movement.

In response to the backlash, the Punjab Police issued a clarification stating that the post was deleted and that preliminary findings indicate the imagery was AI-generated. The police added that their technical teams are investigating whether the post was the result of unauthorized access or a possible cybersecurity breach. They urged the public not to circulate unverified content and to rely only on information shared through their verified official handles. The Punjab Police also clarified that they do not support or stand by such content in any form, emphasizing that public trust and safety remain their highest priority.

The incident has raised concerns about the use of social media by law enforcement agencies and the potential for misuse of AI-generated content. Some have accused the Punjab Police of racism and insensitivity, while others have questioned the lack of oversight and control over official social media accounts. George Floyd's killing in 2020 triggered global protests against police brutality and racial injustice, making the Punjab Police's post particularly offensive to many.

This is not the first time the Punjab Police have faced scrutiny for their social media activity. In June 2025, the cyber cell of the state police flagged approximately 100 controversial posts to online platforms for removal. This action was taken following the murder of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, allegedly by a self-styled Sikh radical. The police have also been cracking down on "controversial" influencers who promote vulgar content or posts that could create law and order issues. In 2020, the Punjab Police had 108 social media accounts blocked for spreading vicious propaganda. These incidents highlight the challenges of managing social media content and preventing its misuse for spreading misinformation, inciting hatred, or intimidating the public.

The Punjab Police's "George Floyd" image controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible social media usage and the need for law enforcement agencies to be sensitive to issues of race, social justice, and human rights. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether any further action will be taken.