Thane Viral Video: Police Debunk 'Zombie Drug' Claims, Identify Pregabalin Overdose
In a significant clarification, police in Thane have confirmed that a man seen in a widely circulated viral video, appearing disoriented and dizzy on a road, was not under the influence of any so-called "zombie drug." Instead, the incident resulted from an overdose of Pregabalin, a prescription medication primarily used to treat nerve pain. This announcement came on Tuesday, putting to rest rampant social media speculation that had linked the disturbing footage to illicit substances.
Video Emergence and Initial Investigation
The video first surfaced on April 15, capturing public attention as it showed the man standing in a visibly dizzy and confused state in the Bhayander area of Maharashtra's Thane city. According to reports from news agency PTI, the clip quickly went viral, prompting widespread concern and numerous claims online suggesting the involvement of a dangerous "zombie drug." Taking immediate cognizance of the situation, the Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar police directed their crime detection branch to trace the individual and verify these circulating allegations.
Identification and Background of the Individual
During a thorough investigation, authorities determined that the video was recorded around 10 pm on April 13. The person featured in the footage was identified as Sameer Rajendra Rawal, a 22-year-old laborer originally from Achham district in Nepal. Rawal was found to be currently living on a footpath outside Borivali Railway Station in Mumbai, having arrived from Nepal just last month in search of employment opportunities. Police successfully traced him to a road in Bhayander on April 17, where he was located and questioned about the incident.
Details of the Pregabalin Overdose
In his statement to the police, Rawal disclosed that he had been addicted to consuming Pregabalin tablets for the past two years. He revealed that he typically purchased a strip of 10 tablets for Rs 100 and used them specifically for intoxication purposes. After arriving in Bhayander, he bought these tablets from a medical shop in Navghar without presenting any prescription. On the evening of April 13, Rawal consumed five Pregabalin tablets at once. While walking in the area shortly after, he began to experience severe dizziness and became unable to move, which left him standing motionless in one spot—a moment captured in the viral video.
Police Confirmation and Regulatory Action
The police release explicitly stated, "It has been established that the incident occurred due to excessive consumption of Pregabalin, which is a Schedule-H drug used for nerve pain. No substance such as a 'zombie drug' was involved." Following this conclusion, a joint team comprising police officers and officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected the medical shop from which Rawal had purchased the tablets. It was discovered that the shopkeeper had fled the area after the video went viral. A detailed report has been submitted to the FDA in Thane, recommending necessary legal action against the medical shopkeeper for illegally supplying Schedule-H drugs without a valid prescription.
Broader Implications and Public Safety Concerns
This incident highlights critical issues surrounding the misuse of prescription medications and the illegal sale of controlled substances. Pregabalin, classified as a Schedule-H drug under Indian law, is intended for strict medical use under supervision due to its potential for abuse and addiction. The case underscores the dangers of self-medication and the importance of regulatory compliance among pharmacies. Authorities have emphasized the need for public awareness regarding the risks associated with such drugs, as well as the consequences of spreading unverified information on social media platforms.
