Real Or Staged? Man 'Risks' Life For Selfie With Toy Train In Darjeeling

From dangerous stunts on moving vehicles to impromptu dance performances in public places, the quest for viral fame seems never-ending. It also involves individuals eager to snap selfies or record videos in eye-catching locations, hoping to capture online attention. However, the obsession with capturing the perfect moment can sometimes lead to risky situations. A recent example of this was reported in Darjeeling where a man stood in the path of an approaching toy train, putting himself in danger, in an attempt to take a selfie.

The video posted three days ago has gained significant attention online, racking up more than 5.5 million views. Many viewers suspect the man deliberately staged the incident to boost his social media presence. Others expressed outrage over his reckless behaviour.

The clip video shared on Instagram captured a tense moment involving a man named Sonu, standing still on the railway tracks as the toy train approached. Despite the train’s horn blaring, Sonu seemed adamant about taking a selfie and paid no attention to the danger. In the background, his wife could be heard frantically shouting in fear. Before things could take a tragic turn, a bystander near the tracks quickly intervened and pulled him away to safety.

“Selfi ke chakkar mein bal bal bache (Narrow escape while trying to take a selfie),” the caption read.

The video sparked several reactions from social media users who highlighted the man’s irresponsible behaviour. One user urged action by tagging the official Instagram handle of the Railway Protection Force of India, writing, “Kindly take necessary action.”

Another commenter, clearly frustrated, wrote, “I don’t pity such people, let him die.”

Someone else wrote, “Reel ke chakkar mein jindgi barbaad (Ruining your life for a reel).”

One user commented, “Waah kya acting kar rahe hain (Wow! What acting),” while another simply wrote, “Nice script.”

Last month, a young girl suffered serious injuries after falling from the sixth floor of a building while attempting to record an Instagram reel in Ghaziabad. She was on her balcony when her mobile phone accidentally slipped from her hand. In an attempt to catch it, she lost her balance and fell.

A video which was shared by a Times Network reporter, showed the girl in distress, crying in pain as people gathered to assist and rush her to the hospital. As they lifted her, she repeatedly asked her mother to call her father saying, “Maa, Papa ko bula do (Mom, please call papa).”