- A viral video of a motionless man sparked false rumours of “zombie drugs” in Bengaluru.
- Police later traced the man and confirmed no narcotics were involved after medical tests.
- Authorities said he had consumed alcohol and prescribed medication, urging caution against misinformatio
Bengaluru police have debunked a viral video circulating on social media platforms that shows a man allegedly under the influence of so-called 'zombie drugs'.
The viral footage of the man standing motionless and staring into the distance on a street in Bagalur near Nitte College triggered widespread concern over use of narcotic drugs. However, Bengaluru police swiftly tracked down the man featured in the video and found him in Yelahanka. He was subjected to a thorough medical examination, which revealed he had not consumed any narcotic drugs, but had instead taken medication that reacted with the alcohol he had consumed soon after causing him to be in that state.
Medical reports revealed there were no narcotic substances in his body. “Tests revealed he was not under the influence of any synthetic drugs. He had consumed alcohol along with prescribed medication for arthritis and sinus issues, which likely caused the condition seen in the video,” a police officer cited by Financial Express said.
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During subsequent police questioning, it was revealed the man was a migrant labourer, who had come to the city about three months ago in search of employment.
Bengaluru Police Warn Against Online Rumours
Expressing concern over the rapid spread of misinformation, Commissioner of Police Seemant Kumar Singh warned that spreading false information was a punishable offence.
"Many people amplified the video without verifying facts or informing the authorities. This irresponsible sharing caused unnecessary panic. Strict action will be taken against those who deliberately circulate false information,” The Indian Express reported him as saying.
Police urged citizens to refrain from circulating rumours, warning that spreading misinformation creates unnecessary panic and unfairly damages the reputation of individuals in medical emergencies. They also urged the public to report suspicious activity directly to law enforcement officials rather than amplifying them online.
The "zombie drug" term is not a scientific classification, but a media-driven label used to describe unresponsive behaviour often associated with Xylazine, a powerful veterinary sedative never intended for human consumption. The drug produces symptoms of sluggishness, confusion, or unawareness, as per Financial Express.
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