Thane Viral ‘Zombie Drug’ Claim Debunked, Overdose of Prescription Drug Found

Police in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Tuesday dismissed viral claims linking a disoriented man seen in a widely circulated video to a so-called “zombie drug,” clarifying that his condition was caused by an overdose of a prescription medicine .

The video, which surfaced on April 15, showed a young man standing unsteadily on a road in the Bhayander area , appearing unable to move. Social media posts accompanying the clip speculated that he was under the influence of a dangerous synthetic drug.

Acting on the viral footage, the Mira Bhayander–Vasai Virar Police directed its crime detection branch to trace the individual and verify the claims. In a statement, officials said the video was recorded around 10 pm on April 13.

The man was identified as Sameer Rajendra Rawal (22) , a labourer from Nepal’s Achham district who had arrived in Mumbai last month in search of work. He was located on April 17 in Bhayander.

During questioning, Rawal told police he had been addicted to consuming Pregabalin tablets for nearly two years. The drug, a Schedule-H medication , is used to treat nerve pain and requires a valid prescription. He reportedly purchased a strip of 10 tablets for ₹100 and consumed them for intoxication.

On the night of the incident, Rawal said he ingested five tablets at once , after which he experienced severe dizziness while walking, leaving him immobilised on the road.

Police confirmed that no “zombie drug” was involved , attributing the episode solely to excessive consumption of Pregabalin .

A joint team of police and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials inspected the medical shop in Navghar from where the tablets were allegedly purchased without a prescription . The shopkeeper has since fled, and authorities have initiated action for the illegal sale of Schedule-H drugs .