In February 2020, people realized that the novel ‘The Eyes of Darkness’ written by Dean Koontz in 1981 bore a striking similarity to the coronavirus pandemic due to its mention of Wuhan-400.
As it turns out, a ‘CID’ episode titled ‘Khatarnak Virus Ka Rahasya’ aka ‘The Case of the Deadly Virus’ also tackled a deadly virus outbreak. The two-part series (episodes 909 and 910) aired on January 25 and 26 in the year 2013.
According to Hindustan Times, the case starts off with the chilling text,
“This seemingly harmless vial contains a dangerous strand of a new virus. A kind previously unknown to man. Not only does it cause a horrifying death, it also spreads like wildfire, taking more and more lives. The only cure for this virus is death.”
The detectives wear protective gear to solve the case and contain the virus believed to spread through sneezing, coughing, or shaking hands.
Mumbai Mirror quoted actor Shivaji Satam aka ACP Pradyuman saying,
“One of the most memorable CID episodes for me was The Case of the Deadly Virus. It was quite similar to the current outbreak, in which, faced with an unknown virus threat, we needed masks and bodysuits to handle it. Of course, back then, all we could show was a vial of the fast-spreading contagion, but the premise was the same. Then, my team of detectives and I helped save the day.”
Have you seen this episode before? The resemblance is uncanny, don’t you think?