In Punjab (Bathinda or whole punjab) there are some cheatings going on for many decades in which some conmen have the victim snuff some gas or chemical, without the victim knowing that he is being made to inhale some gas, and the victim then willingly hands over his gold ornaments like neck chain or bracelet etc. Many women, men and very confident men tell that for 1 to 15 minutes they were almost like robots.
After the spell of the gas is over, they can’t really tell how or why did they keep on doing as the conmen instructed them to.
Police and other public often wonder as to what that substance or gas might be, which is so available to them, and which is (perhpaps) odourless.
I researched this on net and found these:::
Possible Chemicals Used in Such “Hypnotic” or “Zombifying” Crimes:
1. Scopolamine (“Devil’s Breath”)
- Origin: Found in plants like datura (known locally as dhatura, very common in India).
- Effects:
- Causes disorientation, amnesia, loss of free will
- Victims often obey commands and later have no memory
2. Chloroform or Ether (Traditional Knockout Agents)
- Effects:
- Unconsciousness or light-headedness
- Victim may black out or feel confused
- Limitations:
- Usually need a prolonged exposure
- Distinct odour (chloroform smells sweet)
- Unlikely to produce “obedient” behavior without struggle
3. Benzodiazepines (like Diazepam/Rohypnol)
- Commonly used in spiked food or drinks
- Effects:
- Drowsiness, confusion, amnesia
- Form: Powder or liquid, but rarely airborne
- Use in public: Difficult to use as a gas on the street without affecting others