Influencer’s ₹10 ‘Helmet For Rent’ Reel Backfires, Asked To Spreads Safety Message

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Making a reel on the new helmet rule by providing helmets to two-wheeler riders at Rs 10 to gain quick views and money has landed a social media influencer in trouble.

A social media influencer named Rohit Modi posted a video on Instagram in which he was seen holding a cardboard sign that read, “Helmet for Rent at Rs 10.” In the video, he said, “A new helmet rule has come into force in Indore. Getting petrol without a helmet is now illegal. Seeing the opportunity, I got a brilliant idea to earn quick money by renting helmets for Rs 10.” People were seen approaching him to rent the helmet, and he was earning money in return.

Check out the video:

But the police were not amused by the video that went viral.

He was summoned to the Dwarkapuri police station and preventive action was taken under Sections 107 and 116 of the CrPC against him. Realising the gravity of the situation, the influencer apologised for his actions and agreed to create awareness videos about traffic rules for the next 15 days. Later, the influencer uploaded a new video in which he apologised and urged citizens to follow traffic rules.

Interestingly, Rohit isn’t the only one who saw a bizarre business opportunity in the new rule. Across the city, several people have been spotted outside petrol pumps renting out helmets for Rs 10–20 to customers without one. The helmet is used just long enough to refill the tank—and then passed to the next rider.

While the rule is designed to save lives, for some, it became a shortcut to easy money—or viral fame. For Rohit Modi, it has now become a lesson in responsibility.

Additional DCP (Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya told media persons that a reel uploaded by the influencer had gone viral on social media and was counterproductive to the ongoing road safety awareness campaign.

He made certain misleading and negative remarks in the video, which undermined the purpose of the campaign.

Sections 107 and 116 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) deals with security for keeping the peace and maintaining good behavior. Section 107 empowers a magistrate to take preventive action against individuals likely to breach the peace or disturb public tranquility. Section 116 outlines the procedure for conducting inquiries and passing orders in such cases.