The iPhone Langar planned for September 22 was stopped by Chandigarh authorities, who warned the free-phone gathering could attract an uncontrollable crowd.
CHANDIGARH: The much-publicised iPhone Langar planned in Chandigarh for September 22 was stopped by authorities before it could go ahead, with officials warning that the promise of free smartphones could attract an uncontrollable crowd and create a potential stampede risk.
The unusual giveaway was announced by Amritsar-based businessman and social media personality Rakesh Trehan, popularly known as Raja D King.
Trehan had said selected participants from Chandigarh and Mohali would receive iPhone 17 models, with the recipients chosen publicly. The event was expected to begin with a group of around 1,000 participants.
Were 1,000 iPhones really being given away?
No. This is where some of the viral conversation around the event became misleading.
Trehan said 10 iPhones would be distributed on September 22 as part of the initial exercise. He had earlier discussed distributing 100 phones in Chandigarh and 200 in Mohali and claimed that arrangements could eventually involve up to 1,000 iPhones. NDTV reported that he claimed to have already ordered 100 iPhone 17 devices.
Trehan also said the initiative could later expand to 10 more cities in Punjab.
The iPhone Langar came with another unusual condition. Participants in the associated group were required to write “Jai Mata Di” regularly to remain eligible for a phone. Trehan said the activity would be monitored and those who did not follow the requirement would not qualify.
Why did Chandigarh stop the event?
Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav directed police to prevent the proposed gathering, citing public safety concerns and the possibility that an uncontrollable crowd could lead to a stampede.
The concerns followed Trehan’s earlier “Petrol Langar” promotion. Hindustan Times reported that hundreds of people gathered during his first attempt to distribute free fuel, prompting police intervention and the temporary closure of the petrol station.
Trehan had offered petrol coupons worth ₹500 for two- and three-wheelers and ₹1,000 for four-wheelers under that initiative.
The iPhone Langar therefore ended up generating considerable attention without its planned Chandigarh distribution taking place.
For anyone who had been preparing to join the queue, the answer from the authorities was clear. There would be no September 22 gathering.
Impact to expect
Buzz. The episode shows how quickly a high-value social media giveaway can attract public attention, while also highlighting the crowd-management challenges surrounding viral promotions.
