A widely circulated video that raised alarm over the purported use of “zombie drugs” in Bengaluru has been confirmed as false, according to Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh on Thursday.

The video, which gained traction on social media, depicted a man standing still in the street near Nitte College in Bagalur. Many viewers speculated that he was under the influence of synthetic drugs, leading to widespread concern among local residents and online users.

Authorities promptly identified the individual featured in the footage as a migrant laborer and conducted a medical assessment.

“The results indicated that he was not under the influence of any synthetic substances. Instead, he had consumed alcohol along with prescribed medications for arthritis and sinus issues, which likely contributed to his condition in the video,” a police official explained.

Commissioner Singh voiced his concerns regarding the swift dissemination of false information. “Numerous individuals shared the video without verifying its accuracy or notifying the authorities. This irresponsible behavior has led to unnecessary fear. We will take stringent actions against those who intentionally spread misleading information,” he stated.

The commissioner further emphasized that sharing false information is a criminal offense, and measures are being implemented to identify the person responsible for recording and disseminating the video online.

He pointed out that even some individuals who are generally considered responsible shared the video without confirming its validity, thereby contributing to the spread of misinformation and public anxiety.

The case has been referred to the Central Crime Branch (CCB) to locate the person who initially uploaded the video.

Authorities have called on the public to verify information before sharing it on social media and to report any suspicious content to law enforcement.

Home Minister G Parameshwara highlighted that there have been reports from various states regarding the combination of MDMA with Xylazine, an animal sedative.