Rs 16-for-16-minute offer sparks chaos at Kanpur market, FIR lodged
A promotional offer of garments for Rs 16 led to a massive crowd and a stampede-like situation at a shop in Kanpur. Police intervened to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries and the registration of an FIR against the shop owner.
Why it matters
Highlights the risks of unregulated viral marketing and the challenges of crowd management in densely populated urban areas.
KANPUR: A promotional offer promising garments for just Rs 16 for 16 minutes turned into chaos at Alam Market in Kanpur’s Anwarganj area, as hundreds of people gathered outside a shop late Saturday.The sudden rush brought traffic to a standstill and later led to a stampede-like situation after police intervened to disperse the crowd, with several people reportedly injured.An FIR has been registered at Anwarganj police station against shop owner Raish Alam and two others One of the named accused has been taken into custody for questioning.Police said that Raish celebrated his birthday on Aug 16. To mark the occasion, he promoted a special offer for his shop on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.According to the offer, customers could buy garments for just Rs 16 each for 16 minutes beginning at 11:59 pm on Saturday.
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