Viral 26,000 Rupee Used Car Ad Triggers Chaos in Hyderabad
A social media advertisement promoting pre-owned cars for a mere 26,000 rupees as a special Republic Day offer went viral, leading to a significant public gathering and subsequent disorder in Hyderabad on Monday. The incident, which unfolded at Mallapur in the Nacharam area, saw hundreds of potential buyers converge at the location, only to find a limited number of vehicles available for sale.
Massive Turnout and Resulting Protests
With the advertisement gaining widespread attention across various platforms, individuals from different parts of Telangana traveled to the resale outlet at Mallapur. Upon arrival, they discovered that only about ten cars, primarily Maruti-800 models manufactured between 2001 and 2005, were on display. The overwhelming crowd quickly grew frustrated as the owner, Mohammed Roshan of Trust Cars, failed to address the situation adequately.
Police officials later commented on the chaos, stating, "With a massive gathering, the owner was not responding. If he did not have a sufficient number of cars, why did he give such extensive publicity?" This sentiment echoed among the customers, who began demanding explanations and the allocation of the available vehicles.
Escalation and Police Intervention
The situation escalated when some customers attempted to claim cars by placing towels and other personal items on them, asserting their priority. As tensions rose, protests broke out, leading to minor damages to a few of the displayed cars. In response to the growing unrest, the Nacharam police arrived at the scene to pacify the crowd and restore order.
Authorities assured the public that action would be taken against Roshan for his role in the incident. Many attendees insisted that Roshan should appear publicly to explain his failure to fulfill the advertised promise, adding to the pressure on law enforcement to address the issue promptly.
Legal Action and Aftermath
Following the disturbances, the Nacharam police registered a cheating case against Mohammed Roshan. He was taken into custody but was later released after being served a formal notice. The case highlights the risks associated with viral marketing campaigns that may not deliver on their promises, especially when they attract large crowds under false pretenses.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of misleading advertisements on social media, particularly during festive seasons like Republic Day when consumers are on the lookout for special deals and discounts.
