Bengaluru Police Debunk ‘Zombie Drug’ Viral Video: Investigations Reveal Medical Condition,

New Delhi, April 10, 2026 – Authorities in Bengaluru have officially dismissed a wave of social media panic regarding the alleged entry of a “zombie drug” into the city. Following a swift investigation into a viral video that showed a man in a disoriented, trance-like state, the Bengaluru City Police confirmed that the individual was not under the influence of any narcotic or psychotropic substances.

The incident, which gained massive traction over the last 48 hours, has led to a stern warning from the police commissioner against the spread of unverified information and “fake news” that causes public alarm.

The Viral Video and Public Alarm

The controversy began when a 32-second video started circulating on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The footage, reportedly filmed near Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology in Yelahanka, showed a man standing motionless and unresponsive on the roadside.

Social media users quickly labeled the behavior as a symptom of Xylazine—a veterinary tranquilizer often referred to as the “zombie drug” due to the slumped, frozen posture it induces in users. The claims were further amplified when local public figures and celebrities shared the clip, expressing concern over the safety of the city’s youth and urging the police to take immediate action.

Medical Findings: A Dangerous Mix, But Not Drugs

Acting on the viral reports, personnel from the Bagalur Police Station traced the individual featured in the video. The man, identified as a migrant laborer who moved to the city three months ago in search of work, was taken into custody for a comprehensive medical examination.

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh clarified the medical results to the press:

• No Narcotics Found: Blood tests showed no traces of synthetic drugs, opioids, or psychotropic substances.
• Medical Conditions: The man was found to be suffering from chronic arthritis and sinusitis.
• The Cause of Disorientation: On the day the video was filmed, the individual had consumed prescribed pain medication for his ailments. However, he had also consumed a small amount of alcohol.

The commissioner explained that the interaction between the medication and the alcohol led to severe side effects, causing the man to lose his balance and enter a disoriented state. “His body was out of balance due to the medicine’s side effects combined with alcohol intoxication. It had nothing to do with any ‘zombie drug’,” Singh stated.

Police Action Against Misinformation

In a significant move to curb the spread of rumors, the police have arrested the individual who originally recorded and uploaded the video. Hemanth Kumar, a 29-year-old field executive, was traced via his vehicle’s registration number, which was visible in the footage.

During interrogation, Kumar admitted to recording the man on April 7 after seeing similar “zombie” videos from the US and Russia on YouTube. He confessed to making an assumption without verification. Following his arrest, Kumar issued a public apology for causing unnecessary panic across the state.

“Authenticity must be verified before uploading content to social media. It is irresponsible to link health issues to drug abuse without proof. Those who create and those who share such misleading content will face legal consequences.” — Seemant Kumar Singh, Police Commissioner.

What is the “Zombie Drug” (Xylazine)?

While the Bengaluru incident was a false alarm, the term “zombie drug” refers to a real global concern:

• Scientific Name: Xylazine (a non-opioid sedative/analgesic used in veterinary medicine).
• Effects: It causes extreme sedation, respiratory depression, and in chronic cases, severe skin ulcers.
• Context: It is often mixed with Fentanyl in international markets to prolong the high, leading to the “zombie” gait seen in viral videos from other countries.

A Call for Vigilance, Not Panic

The Bengaluru Police have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking but urged citizens to be responsible digital residents. The case has now been handed over to the Central Crime Branch (CCB) for further monitoring of social media trends related to the incident.

Authorities advise that if citizens encounter suspicious behavior, they should report it directly to the police via the emergency helpline rather than filming and broadcasting unverified claims that can damage the reputation of innocent individuals.