The obsession with creating viral social media content proved costly for two young men in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, who found themselves behind bars after a birthday celebration crossed into reckless lawlessness. What started as an attempt to capture dramatic footage for online reels involving a sword and blocked public roads quickly drew the attention of local law enforcement, leading to swift arrests and a stern warning from authorities.
Celebrations Move From Orchard To Public Highway
The incident unfolded within the jurisdiction of the Hathigawan police station area in Pratapgarh. According to police records, a resident of Maheva Mohanpur named Akash Paasi was celebrating his birthday on August 27, 2026. To mark the occasion, his brother Vikas Paasi and several associates gathered inside a local orchard. The celebration escalated when a birthday cake was placed on the bonnet of a car and sliced open using a sword. The festivities soon spilled out of the orchard and directly onto a public thoroughfare.
Traffic Disrupted On Purnemau-Benti Road
Investigators stated that the group blocked the Purnemau-Benti road by parking multiple vehicles across the asphalt, effectively sealing off the route to normal traffic. Participants then proceeded to perform hazardous stunts using both cars and two-wheelers. During the commotion, Akash Paasi and Vikas Paasi were spotted standing atop the roofs of moving cars to film videos and social media reels. This dangerous display severely disrupted the commute of ordinary travelers and pedestrians attempting to use the road.
Instagram Video Triggers Police Crackdown
The situation came to light after clips of the stunt-driving and sword-wielding celebration were uploaded to Instagram and rapidly circulated online. Upon discovering the viral footage, local police initiated a comprehensive investigation to identify the culprits. Authorities registered a formal case under relevant legal provisions against Akash Paasi, Vikas Paasi, the unidentified driver of the car, and several unknown two-wheeler operators involved in the public disturbance.
Special Police Team Executes Arrests
Acting under the direct supervision of Superintendent of Police Deepak Bhuker, a special team led by Hathigawan Station House Officer Satyendra Singh acted on reliable intelligence inputs to apprehend the two primary suspects. Police confirmed that ongoing inquiries are being conducted to identify and track down other individuals and vehicles seen participating in the reckless exhibition.
Local authorities have issued a public appeal urging young people to refrain from engaging in dangerous stunts in pursuit of social media likes, views, and digital fame. Officials emphasized that momentary thrills captured on camera not only constitute a direct violation of the law but also pose a lethal threat to the lives of the perpetrators and innocent members of the public sharing the roads.
