TOP NEWS: Viral “Zombie Drug” Video Sparks Controversy After Punjab Police Fact-Check

A viral video circulating on social media has sparked a major controversy after it was claimed to show the growing problem of drug abuse among young people in Punjab. The video quickly attracted widespread attention online, with several users sharing it as evidence of a serious drug crisis in the state.

However, Punjab Police later clarified that the video was not actually recorded in Punjab. According to reports, the footage originated in Rajasthan, raising questions about how viral content is being shared and presented on social media.

The controversy began after former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh shared the video on social media. His post described the footage as an example of the drug problem affecting Punjab.

The video showed two men appearing to behave abnormally, which led many social media users to describe the incident as a possible example of so-called “zombie drug” use.

The claim quickly gained attention, but a fact-check by Punjab Police established that the footage was from Rajasthan rather than Punjab. The clarification triggered a political dispute, with the Aam Aadmi Party criticizing Harbhajan Singh and accusing the BJP of promoting a misleading narrative about Punjab.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion. Videos can become viral within minutes, often reaching millions of people before their location, date or original context is properly verified.

This is particularly important when viral content involves sensitive issues such as drugs, crime, violence or public safety. Incorrect information can create unnecessary fear and can also lead to political controversy.

The latest controversy also demonstrates why users should verify the original source of a video before sharing it. A video may be genuine but still be presented with an incorrect location or misleading description.

Social media platforms have become an important source of news for millions of people, but viral posts do not necessarily provide the complete context behind an incident. Checking reports from police authorities, established news organizations and independent fact-checkers can help users determine whether a claim is accurate.

The Punjab “zombie drug” video controversy is therefore not only about the alleged incident shown in the footage. It has also become an example of how quickly misinformation or incorrectly labelled content can spread online.

As the debate continues, the incident has attracted attention from both political groups and social media users. The police clarification has made it clear that the video should not be treated as evidence of a Punjab incident.

The episode serves as a reminder that viral does not always mean verified. Before sharing sensational videos, users should check where the footage was recorded, when it was recorded and whether reliable authorities have confirmed the claims being made alongside it.