Until recently, the idea that the novel coronavirus got leaked from a lab in China’s Wuhan was a mere conspiracy theory. But recently, it has been brought to the international spotlight, thanks to the US intelligence agencies and a group of “amateur sleuths”, who go by the name ‘DRASTIC’.

Also read: Brace for COVID-26 and COVID-32 unless virus origin is revealed: Experts

Combing through thousands of pieces of information available in the public domain, the group has presented information that has forced the global community to sit up and take notice of the Wuhan lab leak theory.

Who are the DRASTIC?

Newsweek, which did a report on the group’s extensive research, described DRASTIC (Decentralized Radical Autonomous Search Team Investigating COVID-19) as a group of “amateur sleuths,  with few resources except curiosity and a willingness to spend days combing the internet for clues.”

Also read: Why scientists are concerned about leaks at biolabs

On its website, DRASTIC has listed two dozen members, however, it says the group consists of “China experts” and scientists prefer to operate anonymously due to privacy, security and professional concerns.

Are there Indians in DRASTIC?

The group consists of at least three members from India — Monali Rahalkar, Rahul Bahulikar and a member who goes by the name The Seeker. He is an Indian in his late-20s, residing in the eastern part of the country, as per Newsweek.

What has the DRASTIC found out?

–     As per reports, the Wuhan Institute of Virology had gathered an extensive collection of coronaviruses from bat caves, including the closest known relative of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that led to the COVID-19 pandemic.

–     They came from a mineshaft in Mojiang village in Yunnan province in 2012. Six miners fell ill with pneumonia-like symptoms, three of whom died.

Also read: COVID Wuhan lab origin theory gains traction in United States

–     The group uncovered that the WIV was actively working with the viruses found in the mineshaft “using inadequate safety protocols”, as per Newsweek.

Also, as per a US intelligence report, in November 2019, three researchers at the WIV fell ill and sought medical care.

Also read: ‘Important first step’: India supports WHO study on COVID-19 origins

Several countries, including the US and the UK, have called for a thorough probe into the pandemic’s origin. China, however, continues to denounce the theory as a smear campaign and an attempt to politicise the pandemic.