Rajat Dalal, a 28-year-old fitness influencer from Haryana, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. Known for his provocative actions and public altercations, Dalal has a history of run-ins with the law. Recently, a viral video allegedly showing him involved in a hit-and-run incident has sparked outrage on social media, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The Viral Road Rage Incident
The controversy began when a video surfaced on social media showing a man, allegedly Rajat Dalal, driving an SUV at high speeds on a busy highway in Delhi-NCR. In the footage, the vehicle is seen moving at over 140 km/h when it hits a biker. Despite the collision, Dalal appears to show no remorse, dismissing the incident as a routine occurrence.
The video, which has since gone viral, was filmed by a passenger in the back seat of the car. It captures a woman, reportedly a vehicle company executive, saying, "Sir, he fell down, please don’t do this" to which he responds dismissively, “Don’t worry.” Moments later, after hitting the biker, he says, "Wo gir gaya, koi baat nahi. Roz ka yahi kaam hai ma'am" ("He fell down, it's no big deal. This is my daily routine"). The woman's plea for him to stop is ignored, and Dalal continues driving with little regard for the consequences of his actions. Rajat Dalal, now again was seen doing rash driving & hitting a biker
After hitting the biker he says- Roj ka yehi kaam hai mera
Such people should be behind bars, idk how he came out of the jail last time @DeepikaBhardwaj pic.twitter.com/zsLo8mS5bZ— Chauhan (@Platypus_10) August 29, 2024
Public Outrage and Police Response
The video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), led to an outpouring of anger and frustration from the public. Many users demanded the immediate arrest of Dalal and the cancellation of his driving license.
Notably, journalist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj was among those who shared the video, urging people to identify the location and tag the police departments of Delhi, Faridabad, and Gurugram.
By the looks of it this looks like Mathura road in faridabad with metro line on the right side ..— Nishant :PT (@NishantPTrainer) August 30, 2024
Faridabad police took cognizance of the video, with the Deputy Commissioner stating that while no formal complaint had been lodged, the police had begun investigating the incident independently.
An X user pointed out that the incident occurred on Mathura Road, heading towards Faridabad. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the location had been identified, and a formal investigation was underway. The police assured the public that strict action would be taken against the offender once all facts were verified.
"GIR GAYA KOI BAAT NAHI. YE TO HAMARA ROZ KA KAAM HAI "
Habitual Offender #RajatDalalPsycho hits a biker while driving at a speed of 143Kmph on a busy inner city highway
PLZ IDENTIFY ROAD & TAG COPS@dtptraffic @FBDPolice @police_haryana @cmohry @noidatraffic @gurgaonpolice pic.twitter.com/RD2sEQVsnd— Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) August 29, 2024
Dalal's Denial and Clarification
In response to the uproar, Rajat Dalal issued a clarification denying any involvement in the incident. He claimed that the video in question was old and that his social media accounts were currently suspended. Dalal suggested that the video was an attempt to malign his image by someone impersonating him. He expressed frustration over being repeatedly dragged into controversies and stated that he was focused on moving forward in life.
“I don’t have any data, nor do I have my Instagram account at the moment. I don’t even know where that video came from or how it went viral. The video that’s circulating now is old,” Dalal said in a video recorded inside his car.
He further added, “Now, only God knows, I don’t understand, every other day a new video comes up. I get it, everyone has a past. But I left all those things behind a long time ago. I’ve learned from them and continue to learn.”
Rajat Dalal Recent Clarification after this Video Goes Viral https://t.co/0TTHd6W6Ul pic.twitter.com/HxUfAON2LH— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) August 30, 2024
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
Following the recent hit-and-run incident, a Delhi-based lawyer has lodged a formal complaint against Dalal, calling for "appropriate legal action" to prevent such violations in the future. The Faridabad police, meanwhile, continue their investigation. Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad confirmed, "The police administration has taken cognizance of this incident on its own and started action. The investigation is going on. Strict action will be taken against the culprit."
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Who is Rajat Dalal?
Rajat Dalal, a 28-year-old powerlifter from Haryana, has built a considerable following of over half a million on Instagram, where he shares strength training regimens and fitness tips. He graduated from Manav Rachna University in Faridabad and has become a well-known figure in the fitness community. However, his reputation is marred by multiple controversies, and he remains a divisive figure in the public eye.
A History of Controversies
- The Assault on an 18-Year-Old Boy
This recent incident is not Dalal's first brush with the law. In June 2024, he was arrested in Ahmedabad for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting an 18-year-old boy. The incident began when the teenager, Dhyan Lodha, posted a selfie taken at Dalal's gym on Instagram, accompanied by a caption that mocked Dalal. Enraged by the post, Dalal tracked down Lodha, abducted him in his Thar vehicle, and, along with his associates, subjected him to severe physical abuse.
Dalal's group forced Lodha to endure various forms of humiliation, including smearing cow dung on his face and urinating on him when he lost consciousness. The video of the assault, which Dalal's group filmed, was later released, causing widespread outrage. Dalal was charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and was later released on bail.
- Feud with Rajveer Singh Shisodia
In March 2024, Dalal was involved in another controversy, this time with fellow fitness influencer Rajveer Singh Shisodia. The feud began when Dalal issued open threats against Shisodia in a video, leading to an escalating conflict that nearly resulted in a physical confrontation in Bahadurgarh, Haryana. The Haryana Police intervened, advising Shisodia against participating in the fight, and the confrontation was eventually called off. Shisodia later alleged that Dalal was colluding with the police, suggesting bias in how the situation was handled.
Rajat Dalal arrested by Ahmedabad police for abducting and physically and mentally torturing a young boy!!
pic.twitter.com/pbJuZO8iDo— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) June 5, 2024
The Duality of Influence
Rajat Dalal's story is a stark reminder of the duality of influence in the age of social media. On one hand, he has inspired a large following with his fitness journey, showcasing strength and dedication that many admire. On the other hand, his repeated involvement in violent and reckless behavior raises serious concerns about the message he is sending to his audience.
Dalal’s case also highlights the challenges that law enforcement faces in the digital age, where social media platforms can amplify both positive and negative behaviors. The swift public outcry in response to the viral road rage video demonstrates the power of social media in holding individuals accountable. However, it also underscores the need for thorough investigations to ensure that justice is served, free from the influence of public opinion.
The case of Rajat Dalal serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility that come with social media influence. Whether Dalal is held accountable for his actions or manages to escape further scrutiny, his case underscores the importance of ethical conduct, both online and offline. As investigations continue, the public waits for a resolution that aligns with justice and accountability.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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