Kamal Ghorui
BENGALURU: A viral video circulating on social media platforms, including Instagram, showing a man allegedly under the influence of a “zombie drug,” has been debunked by city police, who clarified that the man was not under the influence of narcotics. Acting swiftly on the misinformation, Bagalur police arrested a 29-year-old man and questioned him. The accused has been identified as Hemanth Kumar, a resident of Vidyaranyapura. He works as a field executive at a well-known eyewear brand. Hemanth, who was travelling along Bagalur Main Road around 11.30 am on April 7, noticed a man struggling to walk. Suspecting that the man was under the influence of a “zombie drug,” he recorded a 32-second video and uploaded it to his Instagram account. His scooter was also visible in the video, which helped police trace him using the vehicle’s registration number. He was arrested on Thursday night. During interrogation, Hemanth told police that he had seen videos of so-called “zombie drug” users—allegedly from American and Russian nationals—on YouTube. Based on those clips, he assumed the man he filmed had consumed such a substance and uploaded the video. The clip quickly went viral and was widely shared, including by celebrities. After being apprehended, Hemanth released a video confession stating that while he was on his way to Rajanukunte after work on April 7, he noticed a man struggling to walk near Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology. Without proper knowledge about the so-called drug, he recorded and uploaded the video. He apologised to the people of Karnataka for causing panic. A senior officer said the video had reached nearly 75,000 people by the time police secured him, and it had crossed one lakh views by Friday morning. The clip triggered widespread concern, with many believing the man was under the influence of dangerous drugs. Acting promptly, personnel from Bagalur police station traced the man featured in the video within hours and subjected him to a medical examination. Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh clarified that no narcotic or psychotropic substances were detected. Doctors found that the man was suffering from arthritis and sinusitis and had consumed prescribed medication along with alcohol, which led to the disoriented behaviour seen in the video. Man came to Bengaluru three months ago The man in the video is from Punjab and had come to Bengaluru three months ago. He works as a truck driver and resides in Bagalur. Police have verified his medical history. He told police that he had taken a gastric tablet before food, later ate upma, and took medication for arthritis and sinusitis. He then consumed two quarters of liquor while off duty on Wednesday. While walking on the road after drinking at a bar, he was unable to walk properly, and his face appeared swollen due to a reaction between the medication and alcohol. Bagalur police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including public mischief, and provisions of the IT Act. Home Minister G Parameshwara clarifies Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that the man had come to the city for work and had consumed alcohol. “I am told that he had consumed other drugs when he was in Punjab. However, in this instance, he had consumed alcohol along with medicines, which affected him. There is no such zombie drug involved. The man who posted the video has been arrested,” he said. Actor Duniya Vijay shares video on Facebook Actor Duniya Vijay also shared the video on his Facebook account, stating that his film Bheema created awareness about ganja and Tyodol tablets. He mentioned reports about a new drug called “zombie” allegedly reaching Bengaluru, urged youth to remain cautious, and requested parents to stay vigilant. He also appealed to the police to clarify the authenticity of the claims and asked the public to inform the nearest police station if they came across such incidents.
