Fact Check: Viral Video of ‘Zombie Drug’ Users Is From Rajasthan, Not Punjab
A video depicting two youths in trance-like states, purportedly due to a "zombie drug" in Punjab, has gone viral. However, LatestLY's fact-check reveals the video originated in Rajasthan and the direct link to a "zombie drug" in India remains unverified, rendering the claim misleading.
A video widely circulated on social media, claiming to show two youths in Punjab under the influence of a "zombie drug", has been found to be misleading. While the existence of xylazine as a "zombie drug" is a concern elsewhere, the video's attribution to Punjab and its direct link to this specific drug in India are false and unverified.
The Viral Claim and Its Spread
The video in question, showing two young men appearing motionless and disoriented, rapidly gained traction across social media platforms. Prominent figures, including Divya Gandotra Tandon and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, shared the footage, using it to criticize the Punjab government's handling of the state's drug crisis. Divya Gandotra Tandon specifically posted on X, demanding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's resignation and stating, "You have failed to effectively tackle the drug crisis in Punjab." The claim suggested the presence of a new and dangerous "zombie drug" (xylazine) in the state, causing panic among users. Did Giorgia Meloni Wear a Palestinian Flag and Slam Benjamin Netanyahu? Video Turns Out To Be AI-Generated.
Viral ‘Zombie Drug’ Footage Traced to Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, Not Punjab
Verification of Video Origin
LatestLY's editorial research confirms that the video was falsely attributed to Punjab. Users on social media quickly pointed out that the footage actually originated from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, not Punjab. This misattribution significantly undermines the core claim regarding a "zombie drug" crisis specifically in Punjab, as portrayed by the viral video. Similar trance-like videos have surfaced from other Indian states, including Karnataka and Bihar, often accompanied by accusations of political misinformation, as noted by LatestLY's research.
Understanding the "Zombie Drug" (Xylazine)
While the video's origin was misidentified, the concern around a "zombie drug" is not entirely unfounded in a global context. Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer known colloquially as 'tranq' or 'zombie drug,' has become a significant public health issue in parts of the world, particularly the United States. According to PIX11 News and TRT World, xylazine is often mixed with fentanyl and heroin, leading to severe health complications. Zombie Attack in Atlanta Nightclub Video: Is It Real or AI-Generated?
These include skin necrosis, abscesses that cause the skin to rot, and can even necessitate amputations, as reported by KTLA 5 News. It is crucial to note that Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication, is ineffective against xylazine since it is not an opioid.
However, claims directly linking xylazine to this specific video and confirming its widespread presence as a novel 'zombie drug' in India remain unverified by official sources. While India faces a real drug crisis, the sensationalized reporting based on this misattributed video exaggerates the specific threat of xylazine in the manner described.
Government Response and Context
The Punjab government, through Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has asserted its ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse. India Today reported that the Chief Minister highlighted the completion of 500 days of the government's anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashean Virudh,' during which approximately 70,000 drug smugglers have been arrested. This indicates a sustained government effort against drugs, even as political figures use viral content to critique leadership. The misattribution of the video in question aligns with a pattern where drug-related content is often used in political discourse, sometimes leading to the spread of misinformation.
Conclusion
The claim that a viral video depicts the effects of a "zombie drug" in Punjab is misleading. While the existence of xylazine as a dangerous substance is a global concern, the video itself originated in Rajasthan, not Punjab, and the direct link between this video and the presence of a "zombie drug" in India remains unverified.
Fact check
A video showing 2 youths standing motionless in trance-like states has sparked panic over the arrival of a "zombie drug" in Punjab, linked to xylazine.
The claim is misleading as the video originated from Rajasthan, not Punjab, and the direct link to a "zombie drug" (xylazine) in India remains unverified.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2026 10:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
