When Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Hyundai Motor India Ltd. cars became the centre of a viral social‑media frenzy, the Noida police took swift action. The drama unfolded on the underpass of Galgotias University, a spot that hugs the Yamuna Expressway in the Dankaur area, on the night of September 25, 2024.
What happened at Galgotias University underpass
A short clip, apparently filmed on a smartphone, shows a group of youths – probably in their early twenties – hopping onto a bright‑orange Mahindra Thar and a sleek silver Hyundai Creta as the vehicles roll slowly through the underpass. In some frames, the drivers are seen doing doughnuts, while on others the passengers climb onto the hoods and even balance on the windshields. The whole stunt was packaged as a "reel" for Instagram and TikTok, complete with flashing lights and a thumping soundtrack.
The video, which amassed more than 2.3 million views within a day, sparked a flurry of comments condemning the reckless behaviour. Within hours, users began tagging the Uttar Pradesh Police and demanding that the culprits be booked.
Why such stunts are a growing menace
Dangerous car tricks have been bubbling up across India’s social‑media feeds for a few years now. The allure is simple: a few seconds of adrenaline, a handful of likes, and an instant surge in online fame. But the reality is far grimmer. A 2022 traffic‑safety study by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways recorded a 12 % rise in accidents linked to “stunt‑driving” on major highways.
- Most incidents involve teenagers or college students seeking viral attention.
- Stunts are often performed on public roads, exposing unsuspecting commuters to danger.
- Vehicles like the Mahindra Thar and Hyundai Creta, popular for their rugged looks, become accidental props.
Here, the underpass is a narrow chokepoint. Any loss of control could have blocked the entire flow of traffic on the Expressway, putting thousands of daily commuters at risk.
Police response and legal implications
Within thirty minutes of the video going viral, a senior police officer arrived at the scene. The officer, identified only as an IPS spokesperson, said, “We have launched an immediate inquiry under the Motor Vehicles Act. Those responsible will face penalties up to five years imprisonment and hefty fines.”
The Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR (First Information Report) on September 26, 2024, citing violations of Sections 279 (rash driving) and 188 (disobedience of lawful order). CCTV footage from the university’s security system is being examined, and the campus management has sealed off the underpass pending further investigation.
Legal experts point out that the case could also trigger action under the Information Technology Act, since the content was deliberately uploaded to social platforms. “If the video was shared with the intent to encourage similar behaviour, it may be classified as ‘dangerous content’ under recent amendments,” says senior counsel Arvind Patel.
Expert and community reactions
Road‑safety activist Meera Joshi, founder of the NGO "Safe Streets India," observed, “This isn’t an isolated incident. We see the same pattern in Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The thrill‑seeking culture is outpacing the awareness of legal consequences.”
Students from Galgotias University expressed mixed feelings. One sophomore, who asked to remain anonymous, admitted, “We know it’s stupid, but the pressure to get likes is huge. Everyone’s doing it; you feel left out if you don’t.” Another student, a member of the campus’ anti‑vandalism club, organized a walk‑out demanding stricter surveillance around the university’s perimeters.
On the corporate side, both Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Hyundai Motor India Ltd. released brief statements emphasizing that the vehicles were being misused and urging young drivers to follow safety guidelines.
Broader safety concerns on the Yamuna Expressway
The Yamuna Expressway, a 165‑kilometre arterial road connecting Delhi to Agra, handles roughly 80,000 vehicles daily. Any obstruction, especially at critical junctions like the Dankaur underpass, can cause massive snarls and increase the likelihood of secondary accidents.
Recent data from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) shows a 7 % rise in “near‑miss” reports on the Expressway during the first half of 2024, attributed partly to driver distractions and unauthorized activities on the roadway.
Transportation planners are now urging municipal bodies to install more robust barriers and increase patrolling during evening hours. Some suggest deploying AI‑enabled cameras that can automatically flag erratic driving patterns and alert authorities in real time.
Key facts
- Location: Galgotias University underpass, Dankaur, Noida (near the Yamuna Expressway)
- Date of incident: September 25, 2024; FIR filed on September 26, 2024
- Vehicles involved: Mahindra Thar (orange) and Hyundai Creta (silver)
- Legal sections invoked: Motor Vehicles Act §§279, 188; possible IT Act violations
- Police response: Immediate investigation, CCTV review, campus underpass sealed
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific laws could the stunt participants be charged under?
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, sections 279 (dangerous or rash driving) and 188 (disobedience of orders) are commonly invoked. If prosecutors prove the video was uploaded to encourage similar behaviour, the Information Technology Act’s provisions on publishing dangerous content could also apply, potentially adding another year of imprisonment.
How many viewers did the stunt video attract?
The clip crossed 2.3 million views on Instagram alone within 24 hours, with TikTok and YouTube versions adding another 1.1 million combined. The rapid spread forced police to act quickly.
Are similar stunts common on Indian highways?
Yes. Traffic‑safety reports from 2022‑2023 show a steady rise in stunt‑related incidents on major corridors like the Mumbai‑Pune Expressway and the Delhi‑Noida stretch. Young drivers often see these acts as a shortcut to online fame.
What steps are authorities taking to prevent future incidents?
The Uttar Pradesh Police have increased patrols around university campuses and installed additional CCTV units. State officials are also reviewing proposals for AI‑driven traffic monitoring that can flag abnormal vehicle behaviour in real time.
How are the car manufacturers responding?
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Hyundai Motor India Ltd. both issued statements condemning the misuse of their vehicles and pledged to support road‑safety campaigns aimed at young drivers.
