Zombie Drug Fear in Bengaluru? Viral Video of Motionless Man Sparks Concern

A viral video from Bengaluru showing a man standing motionless on a roadside has triggered concern online, with many linking the incident to fears of a so-called "zombie drug". The clip surfaced just days after a similar case in Chandigarh, adding to public anxiety.

The video, reportedly from the Bagalur area near a college, shows a man standing still for a prolonged period without reacting to his surroundings. Passersby can be seen noticing him, but the man remains in the same position, raising questions about his condition.

Viral Claim Links Incident to 'Zombie Drug'

The clip was widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), where one post described the situation as alarming and claimed that a "zombie drug" had reached Bengaluru.

The post warned that a xylazine-laced substance-often referred to as a "zombie drug" due to its sedative effects-may have entered the city, urging parents, youth and authorities to stay alert.

However, there is no official confirmation linking the man's condition to any drug use. Authorities have also not identified the individual or confirmed what caused him to remain motionless.

Police Response and Public Reactions

Responding to the viral video, the official account of Yelahanka Police Station asked the user who shared the clip to provide details via direct message and said the matter would be looked into.

The video sparked strong reactions online. While some users described the visuals as "scary," others expressed concern for the man's wellbeing and hoped he would receive medical help.

Some users also shared information about xylazine, noting that it is often mixed with substances like fentanyl or heroin to enhance effects-though these claims remain unverified in the Bengaluru case.

Similar Incident in Chandigarh Raises Questions

The Bengaluru video comes close on the heels of a similar incident in Chandigarh, where a delivery worker was reportedly seen standing still near a parked vehicle in Sector 33B for nearly two hours.

Local residents alerted authorities, and the man was later taken for a medical check-up. However, no official explanation was provided for his condition. Like the Bengaluru case, social media users speculated about drug use, but there was no confirmation.

What Is Xylazine and Why Is It Dangerous?

Globally, xylazine has raised serious concerns. The drug is approved for veterinary use and is not meant for human consumption. In some countries, it has been found mixed with illegal drugs such as heroin and fentanyl.

Health experts warn that xylazine can cause extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing and severe skin wounds. In serious cases, these wounds can worsen rapidly and may even require amputation if untreated.

Another major risk is that xylazine does not respond to naloxone, a commonly used medication to reverse opioid overdoses, making it particularly dangerous.

No Confirmation Yet, But Concerns Grow

At present, there is no verified evidence linking either the Bengaluru or Chandigarh incidents directly to xylazine or any other drug.

However, the back-to-back viral videos have raised broader concerns about drug awareness, public health and safety in urban areas. They have also highlighted how quickly unverified claims can spread online during uncertain situations.

Authorities are yet to release detailed findings, and until then, the exact reason behind these incidents remains unclear.

Xylazine, often called "tranq," is a powerful non-opioid sedative approved only for veterinary use and not for humans. In recent years, it has been found mixed with illicit drugs like fentanyl, raising serious health concerns. Because it is not an opioid, its effects cannot be reversed by naloxone, making overdoses harder to treat. The drug can cause extreme sedation, dangerously slow breathing, and severe skin wounds that may worsen over time if untreated.

In India, while xylazine is legally used in veterinary care, there is growing concern among authorities about its possible misuse in drug mixtures. Experts warn that the unpredictable nature of such substances increases risks, as users may not know what they are consuming. This information is for awareness only, and for any medical advice or diagnosis, a qualified professional should be consulted.