On 25th June, the Ujjain Police in Madhya Pradesh registered an FIR after a video showing firecrackers exploding from a van suspended from a crane during a Muharram procession in Badnagar went viral online. The police detained the main accused, Shoaib Khan.
The incident took place on 24th June in Badnagar town, where the van was lifted around 40 feet above the ground using a crane. Some people from the Muharram procession had placed firecrackers inside the van, which were ignited after it was lifted above the ground. The video showed loud explosions inside the van while it remained suspended. The vehicle had the words “Le Phir Aa Gaye” written on it.
What on earth! Needless stunt.
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) June 25, 2026
*Madhya Pradesh Police registers an FIR against 4 after a video from a Muharram procession in Badnagar, Ujjain went viral showing a van suspended 40 feet in the air by a crane, exploding
Police said the van was packed with rocket-style… pic.twitter.com/4TZeEx98jq
According to police, the Muharram procession had been taken out from the Adan locality of Badnagar when the stunt was performed in front of a large gathering. The stunt was reportedly organised to draw crowds and gain traction on social media.
According to investigators, the procession began from the Adan locality when the crane lifted the vehicl. Moments later, two youths standing on the vehicle waved red flags before smoke and sparks erupted from inside, while the vehicle’s glass shattered, creating the appearance of an explosion.
As the video went viral online, the Madhya Pradesh police swung into action and booked organisers Shoaib Khan, Talim Khan and Zahid Khan, along with crane owner Gopal Mali. The three organisers were allegedly present on the suspended vehicle, waving flags during the act.
The case has been registered under Sections 125, 285, 286 and 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police have said that apart from the four named accused, others have also been included in the case. Officials added that while permission for Muharram procession was granted, no permission was given for any stunt involving vehicles and cranes.
Additional Superintendent of Police Karan Deep Singh said that the police took cognisance of the viral video and detained the main accused, Shoaib Khan. The officer added that an FIR has been registered in the matter and further action is underway.
“The video of the van being held by a crane and explosives in the form of firecrackers being used came to our cognisance. We took the main accused, Shoaib Khan, who is the main organiser, into custody. Two other men seen in the video were also arrested. An FIR has been registered in the case, and we are taking action against other persons as the investigation proceeds,” ASP Singh said.
