Noida Youths, Recording A Fake Kidnapping Reel, Get Arrested

Three youths in Noida, named Ajit, Deepak and Abhishek, faced consequences for filming a kidnapping reel in Sector 18. The video featured a staged scenario where a young man was seen kidnapping another individual and forcing him into a car, while their third friend recorded the scene. However, upon investigation, authorities discovered the incident was a planned act and the trio created the reel to gain few likes and followers on social media. The individual, who captured the video from the other side of the road, uploaded the video by falsely claiming a real kidnapping was happening in broad daylight at a crowded market. Later, police intervened and caught three youths. Although authorities initially arrested them, the trio were later released on bail.

ADCP Manish Kumar Mishra condemned the trio’s actions, claiming that they caused public panic and disruption by their fake reel on a busy road. Mishra highlighted that their reckless behaviour not only threatened the safety of their friend but also was a threat to public safety and warned them against risking their lives for social media attention. The police took quick action against the youths and arrested them under sections related to breach of peace. However, they were released on bail.

Earlier, content creators in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh used concerning tactics to create engaging content, which caused distress among residents, particularly children. On YouTube, the creators shared videos of fake abductions. In one of the widely circulated videos, a driver pretends to offer some children a ride before revealing to them that they’ve been kidnapped. The children get terrified and attempt to escape the moving vehicle, but fail. However, the YouTuber later reveals it was a prank and consoles the frightened minors before letting them go.

As per The Times of India, Shikha Goel, Additional DGP, Womens’ Safety Wing, Telangana Police said, “Consent of the child to be in such a video is a crucial aspect because sometimes children agree to be part of it as an actor. Even if consent is there such videos must carry a ticker or disclaimer all throughout that it is for the purpose of awareness only. If consent is not taken then based on the kind of harassment, action can be taken based on a complaint under relevant sections of law including IPC, IT Act and JJ Act etc.”

During the time, an IT team was given the task to verify such videos. The authorities shared that necessary actions would be taken under the Juvenile Justice Act and other relevant legal provisions.