A teenager from Haryana is facing widespread criticism after a video of him sitting on the roof of a moving car, claiming that his policeman father would “protect him,” went viral on social media. The video, which showcases reckless behavior, has ignited intense debates about road safety and the responsibilities of both individuals and parents in setting a good example.
The Viral Video
The video features Rakshit Beniwal, a 16-year-old vlogger with a considerable social media following, sitting atop a Mahindra Thar while it is driven along a busy road. In the footage, Rakshit is seen confidently perched on the vehicle’s roof, with his father, dressed in a police uniform, sitting inside the car. The video is captioned in Hindi, “Tu maar mai dekh lunga, ye kehne vaale papa hai mere,” which translates to “You hit, I’ll handle, I have a father who says this.”
The video was first shared on Instagram a week ago and has since garnered over four million views, drawing both attention and ire. Rakshit, who has over 41,000 followers on Instagram and 70,000 subscribers on YouTube, frequently posts daring and adventurous content, with his videos often showcasing risky stunts.
Widespread Backlash
The viral video quickly caught the attention of social media users, who expressed concerns about the dangerous behavior displayed in the footage. Pune-based entrepreneur Chirag Barjatya, who shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), questioned the lack of accountability, saying, “What’s happening in Haryana? A kid is sitting on a Thar and saying his dad who is a policeman will save him? Save him from what? High time Mahindra should start seizing such people and cars.”
The comments section of Barjatya’s post was filled with reactions ranging from shock to disapproval. Many users highlighted the potential dangers posed by such reckless actions, not just to the teenager, but to others on the road as well. One comment read, “This is so dangerous, not just for the kid but for everyone on the road.” Another added, “It’s irresponsible and sends a dangerous message, especially considering the father’s position as a policeman.”
There were also calls for accountability, with some criticizing Rakshit’s father for not stepping in to stop his son from engaging in such dangerous stunts. One user commented, “A lack of responsibility and respect for law and safety—this video should be taken down.”
Concerns for Mahindra
Some social media users even directed their frustration towards the vehicle manufacturer, Mahindra. One user suggested that the company should take action against such reckless acts by “seizing such people and cars,” highlighting the negative association that could arise from the misuse of their vehicles.
The Influence of Social Media
Rakshit’s Instagram account features several videos of similar daring acts, many of which have amassed millions of views. His content appears to be aimed at showcasing bold and risky feats, possibly to attract more followers and views. However, the backlash against this latest video has raised questions about the responsibility of influencers in promoting safe and responsible behavior, especially when it involves risky stunts that could harm not only themselves but others as well.
Authorities Respond
As of now, there has been no official response from either Rakshit’s family or Haryana police regarding the incident. However, experts have urged both social media platforms and authorities to take a stronger stance on regulating and addressing dangerous content that promotes reckless behavior.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the powerful influence of social media in shaping behavior, particularly among young individuals. It also highlights the need for parents and influencers to be mindful of the messages they send to their audience, particularly when it comes to matters of road safety and responsibility.
The Bigger Picture
While Rakshit’s actions may have been intended as a stunt for his followers, the viral video has sparked an important conversation about the role of social media in normalizing dangerous behavior. As discussions continue to unfold, many are calling for greater awareness and accountability, both from content creators and viewers, to ensure that safety takes precedence over online fame.
Sources By Agencies