Social media influencer from Mumbai fakes own death to go viral; lands in trouble with police

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, July 28

A 28-year-old social media influencer from Mumbai landed himself in trouble as he faked his own death to go viral.

Irfan Khan, known as Iffy Khan to his followers, shot a video of himself where he was seen sitting on railway tracks in Mumbai after he was reportedly rejected by his lover.

The video was edited to give an impression that he was hit by a train and it was widely shared by social media users on Twitter and went viral. Eventually, it attracted the attention of Bandra police which booked him for promoting self-harm.

He was charged under Section 505(1) of the Indian Railways Act (publishing or distributing any statement with the intent to incite), as well as Sections 145 (nuisance) and 147 (trespass).

Irfan was also charged with violating the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 336 (endangering the life of others and oneself) and 188 (disobeying an order).

However, the 28-year-old apologised to his followers later on and deleted the video.