In a deeply troubling incident that spotlights the growing dangers of social media obsession, four young men in Ahmedabad assaulted a daily-wage worker on a highway—just to film the violence and upload it online for likes and internet fame. The shocking act, which took place on October 24, 2025, has sparked outrage, calls for accountability, and urgent questions about the influence of digital platforms on vulnerable youth.
What Happened? The Facts of the Case
According to official reports, Prabhu Thakor, a 32-year-old mason from Damarka in Radhanpur taluka, was returning home from work on his motorcycle. Around 4 PM, near a cement pole factory close to Sardarpura village, the group of four—identified as Sanjay Thakor, Himmat Thakor, Kishan Thakor, and Manji Thakor—blocked his way while riding a motorcycle from the opposite direction.
After stopping him, the youths asked where he was coming from. When Thakor replied that he was coming back from a farm job, they reportedly declared that they wanted to attack him and record the act, according to the FIR lodged by the victim.
What followed was an orchestrated and brutal assault:
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One assailant struck Thakor with a stick.
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Another used an iron knuckle to punch him.
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The third pushed and kicked him as he struggled.
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The fourth filmed the entire sequence on a mobile phone.
The attackers also stole ₹800 that fell from Thakor’s trousers during the conflict and hurled abuses and death threats if he dared to report the crime.
The Social Media Angle: Violence for Views
Later that evening, a relative informed Thakor that the video was posted on Instagram via the handle “sanju_baba_1313”. Investigators say the assault was purposely staged “in filmy stunt fashion” for internet attention, with the intention to go viral and amass social media likes.
This isn’t an isolated trend—across India and other countries, acts of violence, dangerous pranks, and even serious crimes are increasingly being broadcast online, feeding a dangerous culture of validation through digital engagement.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Thakor sought medical treatment at a government hospital for injuries on his arm and thumb before reporting the crime to local police. Radhanpur police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Gujarat Police Act for:
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Grievous hurt
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Assault
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Abetment
Officials confirmed that there was no personal rivalry; the attackers and the victim were not previously connected. The motive was purely to replicate a “filmy stunt” and boost their online following—a chilling example of digital-age notoriety.
Police have launched a manhunt for the accused and are seeking collaboration from Instagram and other platforms to take down the offensive video and provide details related to the user account.
Public Reaction and Social Commentary
The incident drew sharp reactions on social media, with users denouncing the attackers and demanding stricter penalties for such acts. Activists and psychologists have highlighted two core issues:
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Erosion of empathy: Staging violence for entertainment reflects declining emotional sensitivity and the effects of online “influencer” culture.
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Online accountability: The ease of uploading disturbing content without swift moderation emboldens copycats.
Community leaders and NGOs have called for social media companies to act faster in removing violent or illegal content and for authorities to introduce stronger deterrents against using digital platforms for criminal self-promotion.
The Broader Issue: Social Media and Crime
Experts warn that the “likes and followers at any cost” mentality has become an epidemic, driven by:
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Peer pressure and the lure of viral fame
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Underestimated real-world consequences of online posts
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Algorithmic trends on platforms that sometimes reward sensationalism over ethics or legality
Parents, schools, and digital platforms need to foster more responsible, reflective online behaviour—making it clear that online popularity can never justify harming others.
What Can Be Done? Solutions and Responsibilities
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Stricter monitoring: Tech firms must ramp up content moderation, AI monitoring, and user reporting features for violent/illegal posts
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Swifter justice: Fast-track legal action against perpetrators, with mandatory digital platform cooperation for evidence
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Community education: Awareness programs to teach youth about digital law, privacy, empathy, and the permanence of online actions
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Role of parents and schools: Encouraging healthy digital habits, critical thinking about viral trends, and open conversations about peer influence