No ‘zombie drugs’ in Bengaluru: viral video misleads public, police warn of strict action

Bengaluru : Panic over the alleged spread of “zombie drugs” in Bengaluru has been put to rest after police confirmed that the viral video behind the claims was misleading and not linked to any narcotics activity. The clarification comes after a widely circulated clip showed a man standing still for a long time, prompting speculation about drug abuse.

Investigations by the North-East division police identified the individual as Rajveer Singh, a truck driver from Punjab. Authorities said the man was not under the influence of any illegal drug but was affected by a combination of alcohol and medication.

Police sources revealed that Singh had earlier struggled with substance use and had undergone treatment at a de-addiction centre. After arriving in Bengaluru for work, he had been living with other drivers. On the day of the incident, he reportedly consumed a large quantity of alcohol and later took two tablets as part of his routine medication.

The interaction between alcohol and medication caused a temporary medical condition, leaving him disoriented and unable to move properly. This unusual behavior was recorded and falsely projected as evidence of “zombie drug” consumption.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh stated that medical examination found no trace of illegal drugs. He emphasized that the situation was purely health-related and not connected to any emerging drug threat in the city.

Issuing a stern warning, the commissioner said that individuals responsible for creating and sharing the misleading content would face legal consequences. He also cautioned the public against blindly forwarding such videos, noting that it harms both individuals and the image of the city.

“People must think before sharing such content or inform the police first. Spreading rumours without verification is irresponsible and can create unnecessary fear,” he said.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to combating drug-related crimes, stating that strict surveillance and enforcement measures are already in place. The police also assured citizens that there is no cause for alarm and that Bengaluru remains safe.

The incident underscores the dangers of misinformation in the digital age, where unverified claims can quickly go viral and distort reality. Police have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid contributing to the spread of false narratives.