UK's first Sikh-Guardsman tests positive for cocaine, could be expelled
What's the story
A 22-year-old Sikh soldier, who created history by becoming the first to wear a turban during an annual parade to mark the birthday ceremony of British Queen Elizabeth II, could be kicked out from his post after he was tested positive for cocaine, media reports said.
Charanpreet Singh Lall made headlines globally for wearing the turban during the Trooping the Color in June.
'Disgraceful'
Guardsman Lall failed random drug test: Report
The drug test was conducted last week at his barracks, which Guardsman Lall failed to clear.
Insiders are claiming that he registered "high levels" of cocaine, The Sun reported.
"Guardsman Charanpreet Singh Lall has been discussing it openly in the barracks. The Guards carry out public duties at the Palace, it's disgraceful behavior," a source was quoted as saying by the media report.
Punishment
Anyone caught taking Class-A drugs can expect to be dismissed
"It's for his commanding officer to decide if he gets the boot but anyone caught taking Class A drugs can expect to be dismissed," the report said.
Lall is one of the three soldiers who failed the test at Windsor's Victoria Barracks.
Brigadier Christopher Coles, Head of Army Personnel Services Group, confirmed that "a number of soldiers from the Coldstream Guards are under investigation."
British Army
Lall joined the British Army in January 2016
Lall was born in Punjab and moved to the UK with his family. He joined the British Army in Jan'16.
He hit headlines in June after he was made a part of the 1000-strong soldier march marking the Queen's 92nd birthday.
While Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her actual birthday on April 21, Trooping the Color ceremony takes place on any Saturday of June.