Bengaluru: The Bengaluru City Police have arrested a 29-year-old private company employee for uploading a misleading video on social media falsely claiming that a man was under the influence of 'zombie drugs.'
The accused, identified as Hemanth, a resident of Vidyaranyapura, was taken into custody by Bagalur police after the video he posted went viral and triggered public concern.
According to police, the video was shot near a private college and showed a man behaving erratically, with unusual limb movements that appeared disoriented. Hemanth allegedly assumed that the individual was under the influence of so-called 'zombie drugs,' commonly associated with substances like xylazine, and uploaded the clip on Instagram.
The video quickly gained traction online, raising alarm among viewers and fuelling misinformation about drug use in the area.
Following the viral spread of the video, Bagalur police traced the individual seen in the footage and subjected him to a medical examination. The results confirmed that no narcotic or psychotropic substances were found in his system.
Officials clarified that the claims made in the video were baseless and misleading, emphasising the importance of verifying facts before sharing content on public platforms.
Police said Hemanth had been issued a notice to appear for questioning. However, upon learning that authorities were looking for him, he posted an apology on social media.
Despite the apology, police proceeded with legal action and took him into custody. He reportedly works as a field link executive in a private firm.
Authorities have booked the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Section 353(2) deals with creating or circulating false information, rumours, or alarming news, while Section 352 pertains to intentional insults that could provoke a breach of public peace.
Police stated that such actions can have serious consequences, including public panic and damage to reputations.
Seemant Kumar Singh, Commissioner of Bengaluru City Police, warned that strict action would be taken against individuals spreading misinformation online.
He urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified content and to rely on official sources for accurate information.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation on social media and the legal consequences associated with it. Authorities have reiterated that responsible online behaviour is essential to maintain public order and prevent unnecessary panic.