Influencer’s Reckless Money Hunt Challenge On Hyderabad ORR Leads To Arrest

Social media stunts often walk a fine line between entertainment and irresponsibility. Recently, a dangerous example of this trend played out in Hyderabad, when Instagram influencer Bhanuchander, popularly known as Anchor Chandu, was arrested for a “Money Hunt” stunt that disrupted traffic and jeopardised public safety.

A resident of Balanagar found himself at the centre of controversy after uploading a video that went viral for all the wrong reasons. On December 11, the Instagram influencer took to his Instagram page and posted a video about the Money Hunt challenge. He specified the total amount he plans for the challenge as one lakh fifty thousand rupees, and further stated that he will mention the location in the video.

Things then went out of control. A video captured him tossing bundles of cash worth INR 20,000 onto the roadside near Exit 9 of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Hyderabad. This wasn’t just any giveaway—it was a so-called “Money Hunt” challenge aimed at grabbing attention and engagement on social media.

In the footage, Bhanuchander urged viewers to join the hunt, claiming he had scattered INR 20,000 in cash along the road. What followed was chaos. Drivers, lured by the promise of free money, stopped their vehicles abruptly on the highway, leading to traffic snarls and posing serious safety hazards. What was intended as a light-hearted stunt quickly spiralled into a dangerous disruption.

Authorities Take Swift Action After Viral Money Hunt Incident

Irresponsible Instagram Content Creator Arrested

Recently a viral video surfaced showing an individual throwing ₹20,000 bundle on the roadside of ORR and challenging viewers to a #MoneyHunt. This irresponsible act caused chaos, inconvenience, and posed a significant threat… pic.twitter.com/tpypMB6lnQ

— Rachakonda Police (@RachakondaCop) December 18, 2024

The incident drew sharp criticism online, with many condemning the influencer for his recklessness. Rachakonda Police Commissioner G. Sudheer Babu, IPS, took the matter seriously and directed Ghatkesar police to investigate. Within hours, the authorities identified the individual behind the stunt, arrested him, and registered a case.

Bhanuchander’s actions weren’t just a lapse in judgement; they were a violation of the law. Police booked him under Sections 125 and 292 of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 8(1b) of the National Highways Act. These charges reflect the serious nature of his offence, as it not only endangered lives but also disrupted public order on a major highway.

In the aftermath of the incident, increased security measures were implemented near Exit 9 of the ORR to prevent similar stunts from occurring. Police also used the opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of irresponsible social media behaviour.

Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword

The rise of platforms like Instagram has provided creators with incredible opportunities to entertain, educate, and inspire. But incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the potential for misuse. Social media challenges, while often fun and engaging, can sometimes cross the line into recklessness, as creators chase likes, views, and followers at any cost.

Rachakonda Police took to their official X (formerly Twitter) account to condemn the act, stating, “Such reckless acts not only endanger lives but also set a bad example for others. Social media should be a platform to inspire and educate, not to act irresponsibly.”

This message resonated with many, sparking a broader conversation about the responsibility of influencers and content creators to use their platforms wisely. With large followings often comes a younger, impressionable audience. What may seem like harmless fun to some could inspire others to replicate such dangerous behaviour, amplifying the risks.

Also Read: Influencers or Misinformers? The Truth Behind Viral Content

Public Safety Takes Priority

The quick response by authorities highlights the importance of prioritising public safety over individual antics. Highways like the ORR are designed for high-speed travel, and any unexpected stops or distractions can lead to devastating accidents. Bhanuchander’s stunt could have resulted in far graver consequences, not just for himself but for innocent commuters.

By holding him accountable, law enforcement sends a clear message: reckless behaviour that endangers public safety will not be tolerated, regardless of its intent or platform.

Also Read: 5 Social Media Influencers Who Have Criminal Cases Against Them

A Wake-Up Call for Content Creators

This incident should serve as a wake-up call for content creators everywhere. While creativity and originality are key to standing out in the crowded world of social media, they must never come at the expense of safety and responsibility. Engaging audiences is important, but so is setting a positive example.

Platforms like Instagram are powerful tools that can be used to create meaningful change, spread awareness, or simply bring joy to others. But with great power comes great responsibility. Influencers must remember that their actions, no matter how small, can have ripple effects far beyond the digital realm.

As this story shows, stunts that prioritise virality over value can lead to unintended and often serious consequences. Let’s hope this serves as a reminder to all content creators to think twice before hitting “record” or “post.”