‘Drunk’ Policeman Who Went Viral Was Actually Having A Stroke

‘Drunk’ Policeman Who Went Viral Was Actually Having A Stroke

Salim PK, a police officer in Delhi, India, was captured on video while allegedly drunk on a metro train. Video of him staggering and falling over went viral. But doctors have confirmed what he insisted all along: He was actually having a stroke.

Salim was videotaped on the train back in August of 2015, where he can be seen in a confused state before he ultimately fell to the ground. Two passengers helped him back up. The video was posted to YouTube and immediately went viral. Salim was initially suspended but then reinstated after a doctor’s report confirmed that he had not been drunk. He reportedly suffered some permanent paralysis from the stroke and now struggles to speak.

Salim has been on medical leave for the past three months and has been looking after his wife who reportedly had a heart attack roughly a month after the constant ridicule of her husband began. Salim is asking that his reputation be restored by printing the correct version of events in newspapers and on social media.

“When the video went viral and Salim was suspended, it made front page news. When he was taken back, not a single newspaper or TV channel carried it. In the eyes of the general public, the petitioner was drunk in the metro and he is still under suspension,” Salim’s lawyer told the Daily Mail India.

‘Drunk’ Policeman Who Went Viral Was Actually Having A Stroke
Screenshot of Salim from YouTube

Screenshot of Salim from YouTube

Viral videos aside, people often mistake those having seizures and strokes for people who are intoxicated. So keep that in mind the next time you’re laughing at someone you think maybe had too much to drink out in public.

Gizmodo’s Factually highlights fun facts, interesting photos and weird trivia.


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

It’s the most popular NBN speed in Australia for a reason. Here are the cheapest plans available.

At Gizmodo, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.