When Inspector Rajesh Singh, Senior Inspector of the Noida Police Department received a flood of complaints on October 2, 2025, he knew the viral clip circulating on TikTok and Instagram was more than a harmless prank. The video shows a bright‑orange Mahindra Thar launching off a makeshift ramp and soaring over a compact sedan on the shoulder of the Yamuna Expressway near the Noida–Greater Noida toll plaza. The stunt, captured at roughly 14:30 IST, sparked a heated debate about road safety and the growing culture of illegal "stunt‑driving" among youths.
What actually happened on the expressway?
The clip, uploaded by an anonymous user under the handle @noidadrift, quickly amassed more than 1.2 million views within a few hours. In the footage, the Thar — driven by a man later identified as 23‑year‑old Amit Kumar — accelerates from a side lane, hits a ramp constructed from discarded concrete slabs, and lands a few metres ahead, narrowly missing the sedan’s driver, who swerved to avoid a collision.
Witnesses at the scene, including a construction worker named Sunil Sharma, described the moment as "like something out of a movie" but immediately raised concerns about the potential for a fatal accident. "We heard the engine roar, saw the Thar fly, and then the car skid off the road," Sharma recalled.
Police response and legal action
Within an hour of the video’s surge, traffic police from the Uttar Pradesh Traffic Police set up a checkpoint near the toll plaza to locate the vehicle. By evening, officers recovered the Thar, which bore fresh tire marks and a dented rear bumper consistent with a hard landing. The driver, Amit Kumar, was taken into custody and booked under Section 279 of the Indian Penal Code (rash and negligent driving) and the Motor Vehicles Act’s provisions for dangerous driving.
Inspector Singh confirmed that “the vehicle’s registration has been verified, and the driver’s licence was found to be valid, but this does not excuse the reckless behavior”. He added that a forensic team will examine the ramp’s construction to determine whether it violated any local ordinances.
Why stunts are becoming a meme‑culture phenomenon
According to a recent study by the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), there has been a 27 % rise in reported stunt‑related incidents on Indian highways between 2022 and 2024. Social‑media platforms, the study notes, reward sensational content with algorithms that amplify views, inadvertently encouraging risky behavior.
Road‑safety expert Dr. Meera Joshi, a senior lecturer at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, explained, "Young drivers are influenced by a combination of peer pressure and the desire for online fame. When a stunt goes viral, it creates a feedback loop that normalises dangerous driving."
Impact on commuters and broader traffic safety concerns
The Yamuna Expressway, a six‑lane corridor stretching 165 km from Greater Noida to Agra, handles an average of 90,000 vehicles daily, according to the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department. Any disruption caused by stunt‑related incidents can lead to significant congestion and increase the risk of secondary accidents.
Local commuter Rani Patel, who was stuck in a jam near the toll for over an hour, said, "We were already late for work, and then the police blocked the lane for hours. It’s not just the stunt‑maker who suffers; ordinary people pay the price."
Future steps: stricter enforcement and public awareness
In response to the incident, the Noida Police announced a new "Zero Tolerance" campaign targeting illegal stunts. The plan includes:
- Installation of motion‑sensor cameras at high‑risk stretches of the Expressway.
- Collaboration with social‑media platforms to flag and remove content that depicts dangerous driving.
- Community outreach programs in schools, emphasizing the legal consequences of reckless driving.
Inspector Singh reiterated that anyone caught filming or encouraging such stunts could face up to three years in prison under the recent amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act, which treats the act of recording dangerous driving as a separate offense.
Legal fallout and upcoming court date
Amit Kumar’s case is set for a hearing on November 12, 2025, at the Noida District Court. If convicted on all counts, he could face a fine of ₹1.5 million and a potential six‑month jail term, besides a mandatory suspension of his driving licence for two years.
The incident also triggered a broader inquiry into whether the ramp had been illegally erected by a private contractor who was later identified as a local youth club aiming to attract “attention”. Police are probing possible violations of the Uttar Pradesh Land Use Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legal charges does the driver face?
Amit Kumar has been charged under Section 279 of the IPC for rash driving, plus violations of the Motor Vehicles Act that carry fines up to ₹1.5 million and possible imprisonment of up to three years.
How many people were injured in the stunt?
Fortunately, no one sustained serious injuries. The sedan’s driver suffered a minor whiplash, and bystanders reported only bruises from the sudden brake shock.
Why are such stunts gaining popularity on social media?
Platforms reward high‑engagement posts, and sensational videos—especially those involving dangerous driving—garner millions of views, likes, and shares, encouraging more creators to attempt risky feats for online fame.
What steps are authorities taking to prevent future stunts?
The Noida Police will deploy motion‑sensor cameras, work with TikTok and Instagram to remove dangerous‑driving content, and launch educational campaigns in schools about the legal repercussions of reckless driving.
When will the court hear the driver’s case?
A hearing is scheduled for November 12, 2025, at the Noida District Court, where the judge will decide on bail, fines, and possible imprisonment.
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