A photos has gone viral online on Jan. 4, 2016, and shows three male passengers, one of whom is pointing something that looks like a gun at the other two. [Photo: fawan.com]

Beijing police are said to be investigating the case of three male passengers who reportedly posed in front a camera holding an object shaped like a gun on a plane at Beijing Capital International Airport, according to Fawan.com.

The photos have gone viral online, and show three male passengers, one of whom is pointing something that looks like a gun at the other two.

Some netizens have speculated that the gun-shaped object is either a replica or simply a laptop battery. Others have criticized the men for making mischief and having no common sense.

Zhang Qihuai, a researcher at China University of Political Science and Law, said the three could face trial for their actions according to China's regulations on civil aviation security.