‘Zombie Drug’ Claims Go Viral After Unusual Videos Surface Across Indian Cities
New Delhi, 9th April 2026: A set of viral videos doing the rounds on X has left users both concerned and sceptical, after clips from Bihar, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru began showing men standing unusually still in public spaces, quickly fuelling claims of a so-called “zombie drug” at play.
One of the most widely shared visuals comes from Bengaluru’s Bagalur area, where a man is seen standing motionless on a road, seemingly unresponsive to his surroundings. Similar clips from other cities show individuals frozen mid-action, prompting users to describe the scenes as “trance-like” and out of the ordinary.
It didn’t take long for X to connect the dots, or attempt to. A large section of posts has attributed the behaviour to Xylazine, a veterinary sedative that has gained global attention for its extreme effects, often earning the label “zombie drug”. The conversation has also pulled in references to Punjab, where the substance had previously entered public discourse.
But beyond the viral narrative, there’s very little that’s actually confirmed. No official statements from authorities in any of the locations have established a link between the individuals in these videos and Xylazine use. In fact, much of what’s being shared remains speculative, with no verified medical or police input backing the claims.
A social media video showing a man standing motionless near Bengaluru’s Nitte College has sparked fears of a ‘zombie drug’ like Xylazine in the city.
The unconfirmed claim, which follows a similar incident in Chandigarh, has ignited online discussions about substance abuse,… pic.twitter.com/xohrPYSo8H
— Asianet News English (@AsianetNewsEN) April 8, 2026
Online reactions, as expected, are split. Some see this as a worrying sign of a new drug trend, while others are calling out the speed at which isolated visuals are being stitched into a larger, unverified story.
