A viral video that captures an individual standing completely still without any element of movement around them in Bengaluru has gained considerable online visibility. The video has created lots of conversation and confusion surrounding the experience of the man in the video compared to everyone else running around him in their everyday hustle and bustle.
Social Media Fuels ‘Zombie Drug’ Claims
Following the wild attention the video gained, many users began sharing links between this case and the so-called “Zombie Drugs”, which typically refer to chemically compounded synthetics associated with abnormal physical manifestations. There have been many theories regarding the incident that happened, and many people compared it with similar events within different cities, but there are no scientific facts or real proof to show whether or not the man was high on those types of drugs.
Experts Urge Caution
Experts and authorities have discouraged the public from making assumptions based on just 30 seconds of video without supporting documents or statements. Until then, all assumptions regarding the alleged drug use are unfounded. They point out that there are many reasons why someone may behave strangely, such as physical problems, tiredness, or mental anguish.
Read More: Research: How Addictive Drugs Can Hijack the Brain’s Reward System
Growing Pattern of Viral Panic
A recent online discussion has compared this occurrence to the recent Chandigarh incident, where another video has raised similar questions or concerns regarding drug use and drug abuse. There isn’t anything that substantiates any associations between each phenomenon or occurrence, and no physical evidence for any links can be found at this time. Many of the anxious feelings associated with these two occurrences are a result of the parallels associated with them, but they both are still in the realm of speculation and have not been made public at present.
Social Media´s Impact
With social media, creating mass hysteria through the dissemination of videos quickly is easier than ever before, thanks to the rapid sharing of short clips with inadequate or no context. Many times, the raw video may create an exaggerated view of an event just based on what people see, which creates an opportunity for them to be misinformed. Even if it looks bad, experts recommend finding out if there is a true source of information, so that you do not rely on the viral stories.
Waiting for Clarity
Currently, specific incidents depicted in the video have occurred. In addition to not verifying either, the authorities are strongly urging individuals to be careful about sharing information and to do so responsibly. This incident provides an example of how a person can misrepresent what is occurring in real time and on the internet. Always carefully evaluate all information being portrayed online before concluding.
References +
Desk, T. T. (2026, April 8). Watch: Man frozen on Bengaluru street fuels shocking “zombie drug” claims online. The Times of India; The Times Of India.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/watch-man-frozen-on-bengaluru street-fuels-shocking-zombie-drug-claims-online/articleshow/130122834.cms giovanna.campello. (2017). Drug Prevention, Treatment and Care. Unodc.org. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/drug-prevention-and-treatment/index.html NIDA. (2022, April 21). Xylazine. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/xylazine
World Health Organisation. (2025). Mental Health. World Health Organisation. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_1
