On April 14, 2025, four youths were detained by Navi Mumbai police after creating a social media reel that caused public panic. The video depicted a hand hanging out of the boot of a moving Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV) on the road between Vashi and Sanpada railway stations, leading observers to believe someone was either being kidnapped or that a dead body was inside .
The individuals involved were identified as Minhaj Shaikh (25), Shahawar Shaikh (24), and Inzamam Shaikh (25), all residents of Koparkhairane, and Mohammad Shaikh (30) from Mira Road. They claimed the video was intended as a promotional stunt for a laptop rental and repair business owned by one of them at Haware Fantasia Mall .
In the video, Minhaj Shaikh drove the MUV while his cousin lay inside the boot with his hand hanging out, creating an alarming visual. Two other youths followed on a bike, recording the act. The video concluded with the person in the boot emerging and stating, “I am still alive,” followed by a promotion for the laptop store .
Police traced the vehicle to Haware Fantasia Mall within two hours of the video’s circulation and detained the youths. Minhaj Shaikh was booked under the Motor Vehicles Act for rash and negligent driving. The group was released after receiving a warning and is required to pay the applicable penalty .
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from creating misleading or alarming content for social media, emphasizing the potential for such actions to cause unnecessary panic and divert emergency resources.
Sources