Four youths were detained by Navi Mumbai police for shooting a social media reel that created panic among locals and commuters. 

The video showed a human hand coming out from the boot of a moving vehicle, creating the illusion that someone was either being kidnapped or that a dead body was inside. According to ACP (Crime) Ajay Landge, the incident took place around 6:30 pm on Monday on the stretch of road between Vashi and Sanpada railway stations.

The suspicious vehicle — a Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) — caught the attention of a motorist, who captured the scene and circulated it on social media.

Police, who monitor online content posted by influencers and users, quickly launched a search operation. Within two hours, the MUV was found parked outside Haware Fantasia Mall near Sanpada railway station. The four youths were taken into custody for questioning.

The accused have been identified as Minhaj Shaikh (25), Shahawar Shaikh (24), and Inzamam Shaikh (25), all residents of Koparkhairane, along with Mohammad Shaikh (30), a resident of Mira Road.

ACP Landge explained that the group had taken the vehicle from a friend in Sakinaka, Mumbai, to attend a wedding in Navi Mumbai. During their outing, they decided to shoot a promotional reel for a laptop rental business owned by one of them at Haware Fantasia Mall.

The video was staged with Minhaj Shaikh driving the MUV while his cousin lay inside the boot with one hand hanging out, creating an alarming visual. The two other youths followed on a bike, recording the act.

"The MUV driver, Minhaj Shaikh, was booked under the Motor Vehicles Act for rash and negligent driving while making the video reel. They were released after a warning and will have to pay the applicable penalty. The youngsters are hereby appealed not to make such video reels that cause panic among citizens and to stay away from digital addiction," said ACP Landge. 

 

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