A disturbing video shared widely on social media has captured the attention of viewers in India. The footage shows a man seated on a plastic chair in the middle of a busy road in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, amidst heavy rainfall. The man, seemingly unfazed by the surrounding traffic, sits cross-legged as vehicles pass by.
The 17-second clip escalates in severity when a truck approaches from behind and collides with the man’s chair, sending him tumbling to the ground. Shockingly, the incident occurred near a police check post, raising questions about the authorities’ inaction.
Following an investigation, the Kotwali Nagar Police Station determined that the man is mentally ill and subsequently reunited him with his family. While legal proceedings are underway to identify the truck involved, the incident has ignited public criticism, particularly aimed at the bystanders’ lack of concern.
In response to the viral video, Pratapgarh Police acknowledged the incident on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the man’s mental illness and their efforts to return him to his family. The police also confirmed their pursuit of legal action against the truck driver.
The video’s chilling narrative extends beyond the collision itself. The police statement highlighted the disturbing indifference of onlookers, who instead of assisting the man, encouraged the truck driver to continue driving without checking on his condition.
This incident has sparked a debate about the responsibility of bystanders in such situations, as well as the effectiveness of police response to vulnerable individuals in public spaces. The video serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for greater empathy and proactive intervention in such cases.
