Bengaluru Police Arrest Man for Spreading 'Zombie Drug' Misinformation
In a swift response to a viral misinformation video circulating on social media, the Bagalur police in Bengaluru have arrested a 29-year-old man for falsely claiming that an individual was under the influence of a so-called 'zombie drug'. The accused, identified as Hemanth Kumar, a resident of Vidyaranyapura and an executive at an eyewear firm, was taken into custody on Thursday night.
How the Misinformation Video Was Created and Shared
According to police reports, Hemanth Kumar was passing by an institute around 11:30 AM on April 7 when he noticed a man struggling to walk. Influenced by videos he had seen on YouTube depicting alleged 'zombie drug' users from Western countries like the United States and Russia, Hemanth assumed the man had consumed such a substance. He promptly recorded a 32-second video on his mobile phone and uploaded it to his Instagram account.
The video quickly gained traction, going viral and being widely shared across platforms. Notably, it was reposted by an actor and a retired IPS officer, amplifying its reach. Police officials stated that by the time Hemanth was apprehended, the clip had reached nearly 75,000 people, and it crossed one lakh views by Friday morning.
Police Investigation Debunks False Claims
The Bagalur police traced Hemanth Kumar using the registration number of his scooter, which was visible in the video. During interrogation, he admitted to creating the content based on assumptions rather than facts. Following his arrest, Hemanth released a video confession, apologizing to the people of Karnataka for causing unnecessary panic.
Meanwhile, the man featured in the viral video was located on April 8 and underwent a thorough medical examination. Doctors confirmed that no narcotic or psychotropic substances were detected in his system. Instead, it was revealed that he suffers from arthritis and sinusitis and had consumed prescribed medication along with alcohol, which led to the disoriented behavior captured in the footage.
Official Statements and Legal Actions
Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of verifying facts before making public statements. He stated, "People have to make comments only after knowing the facts. We are issuing notices to those who shared the video." Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified the situation, noting, "He had consumed alcohol along with medicines, which affected him. There is no such zombie drug involved."
The Bagalur police have registered a case under relevant sections, including BNS Section 353 for statements conducing to public mischief and provisions under the Information Technology Act. In response to the arrest, the retired IPS officer deleted the video from his Instagram account, but as of the latest reports, the actor has not removed it from his Facebook profile.
Impact and Broader Implications
This incident highlights the rapid spread of misinformation on social media and its potential to cause public alarm. The viral clip triggered widespread concern, with many viewers mistakenly believing that dangerous drugs were involved. Authorities urge citizens to exercise caution and verify information before sharing content online to prevent similar episodes of unwarranted panic.
