WATCH | Haryana Teen's Reckless Car Roof Stunt Goes Viral, Sparks Outrage - Here's Why

A viral video featuring a teenager from Haryana sitting on the roof of a moving car has caused an uproar on social media. The video, posted by Rakshit Beniwal, a young vlogger with over 41,000 Instagram followers and 70,000 YouTube subscribers, shows the boy confidently perched atop a Mahindra Thar while it speeds down a busy road.

In the clip, he casually claims that his father, a policeman, would "protect him," sending a dangerous and irresponsible message about reckless behaviour.

Photo Credit: X

Video Details and Growing Backlash

The viral video, initially shared on Instagram a week ago, has garnered over four million views. In the footage, Rakshit Beniwal is seen confidently sitting on the roof of the moving car, with the camera eventually shifting to show his father inside the vehicle, dressed in a police uniform. The video includes a caption in Hindi, "Tu maar mai dekh lunga, ye kehne vaale papa hai mere" (You hit, I'll handle, I have a father who says this), which highlights the sense of invincibility the teen feels due to his father's law enforcement background.

The video quickly gained traction across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), sparking a storm of criticism. Many users expressed concerns about the reckless stunt and the potential dangers posed to the teenager and others on the road.

Social Media Reactions: Calls for Action

The video's virality triggered intense debates on various platforms, with numerous people raising alarms about the dangerous behaviour it encourages. One user on X commented, "This is so dangerous, not just for the kid but for everyone on the road," while another wrote, "It's irresponsible and sends a dangerous message, especially considering the father's position as a policeman."

Some users even pointed fingers at Mahindra, the vehicle manufacturer, calling for action against those involved in such reckless acts. Pune-based entrepreneur Chirag Barjatya, who reposted the video, remarked, "What's happening in Haryana? A kid is sitting on a Thar and saying his dad who is a policeman will save him? High time, Mahindra should start seizing such people and cars."

The Vlogger's Reputation and Previous Stunts

Rakshit Beniwal is known for posting daring and often controversial content, with his Instagram account showcasing videos of similar stunts. One of his pinned videos on Instagram has amassed over 35 million views in just one month. His growing online following seems to amplify his risky behaviour, but this particular video has caught the attention of both supporters and critics, igniting a broader conversation about the consequences of social media stunts.

Concerns Over Law Enforcement's Role

Adding to the controversy, Rakshit's casual reference to his policeman father has raised questions about the relationship between law enforcement and the promotion of such behaviour. The video suggests a troubling sense of entitlement, where the teen feels shielded from the law due to his father's occupation. Many have criticized this, viewing it as a disregard for public safety and the rule of law.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Social Media Influencers

This incident has sparked widespread concern about the influence of social media influencers, especially young ones, on public behaviour. While it's not uncommon for viral videos to feature attention-grabbing stunts, this particular one has crossed a line by encouraging dangerous and reckless actions. It serves as a reminder for both influencers and their followers to consider the consequences of their actions, especially when they promote unsafe behaviour that could have serious implications.

As this video continues to circulate online, it remains to be seen whether any legal or social consequences will follow for Rakshit Beniwal and others who engage in similar stunts. However, it's clear that the video has touched a nerve, highlighting the dangers of social media fame and the responsibility that comes with it.