NEW DELHI, INDIA: A recent trend of individuals risking their lives to create viral videos for social media has sparked a series of dangerous incidents across various states in India. From hanging off high-rise buildings to jumping in front of moving buses, these actions have alarmed viewers and led to serious consequences for those involved.
In Maharashtra, Minakshi Salunkhe, 23, and her accomplice Mihir Gandhi, 27, were arrested for dangling from a high-rise building in pursuit of an attention-seeking video. The dangerous stunt, captured on camera, has resulted in charges under IPC 336 for endangering life, carrying penalties of imprisonment and fines. Authorities continue to search for a third individual involved in the incident.
Further highlighting the risks taken in the pursuit of social media fame, a man in Hyderabad was captured on video jumping in front of a bus on a busy street. Despite narrowly avoiding being struck by the bus, the man quickly got up and fled the scene. However, doubts have been raised about the authenticity of the video, prompting a police investigation into the incident.
Tragically, the pursuit of viral content has led to fatal consequences in several instances. In Telangana, a 23-year-old man lost his life while attempting to recreate a hanging death scene from a movie. Similarly, a woman in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad died in a car accident while filming a video that resulted in her vehicle plunging off a cliff. In another incident in Nashik, Maharashtra, two students filming a video on a railway track met a tragic end when they were struck by a train.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with performing risky stunts for social media validation. As authorities work to address the alarming trend, the consequences of prioritizing viral fame over personal safety continue to unfold, highlighting the need for responsible behavior online.