‘I Am a Celebrity’: Gujarat Man Stops Traffic to Burst Firecrackers, Video Shocks Internet

A video showing a man halting traffic to burst firecrackers on a public road in Gujarat's Surat has triggered outrage online, with viewers questioning both the act and his justification for it.

The incident took place on December 21 in the Dumas area, where commuters were forced to wait as fireworks were set off in the middle of a busy road to celebrate a birthday.

Traffic halted for birthday fireworks

According to the visuals that surfaced on social media, 58-year-old builder Izardar blocked a stretch of road while celebrating his son's 19th birthday. Vehicles were seen standing still as pedestrians cautiously walked past the scene. In one clip, Izardar stands in the middle of the road holding two sparkler launchers, continuing to fire them into the air as traffic piles up on both sides.

When occupants of a car honked at him, he was seen pointing the lit firecrackers in their direction before turning away and resuming the display. One of the men accompanying him later approached the occupants of the car and spoke to them. Other videos show a string of crackers being lit directly on the road and fireworks being launched from the roadside as vehicles pass by.

'I am a celebrity,' businessman claims

Responding to criticism, Izardar defended his actions, arguing that fireworks at nearby grounds often lead to traffic disruptions for hours without any action being taken. He also alleged that rivals deliberately made the videos public to damage his image.

"I am a celebrity. What serious crime did I commit if I stopped you for five minutes?" he said while speaking to Media.

Police action and charges

Surat Police have registered a case against Izardar for disturbing public order. In an official release, the police stated, "It was found that Izardar burst firecrackers and set off fireworks on the public road in front of the post office near his residence, on the occasion of his son's birthday, in a manner that caused inconvenience to the public and in violation of the Police Commissioner's notification."

A case has been filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Police officials said further action will follow as per the law.