A video from Kanpur has gone viral after a shopper discovered gutka stains inside a dustbin kept on display at a retail outlet, reigniting debate over civic sense and public behaviour in shared spaces.
The clip, filmed inside a Mr DIY store, shows a man lifting the lid of a dustbin placed on the shop floor for sale. As the camera zooms in, red stains are clearly visible inside the bin, suggesting it had been misused for spitting paan or gutka despite being a display item.
Video triggers sharp reactions
The video was shared on Instagram by user @devotedindian with the caption, “Bolo juban kesri. Kanpur will never change.” In the clip, the man remarks sarcastically, “Ab batao kya hoga Kanpur ka bhai (Now tell me, what will happen to Kanpur?),” expressing frustration over the incident.
The footage quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing criticism and disappointment from viewers across the country.
Anger over lack of civic sense
Many users condemned the act as a reflection of poor civic responsibility. “The country needs only good education right now,” one user commented, while another wrote, “It’s a shame for all of Kanpur.”
Several reactions focused on the persistent habit of public spitting. “Civic sense is non-existent,” a user said, while another added, “Nothing funny about this video. It only shows how uncivilised we appear to others.”
Some commenters urged the store management to take action by checking CCTV footage to identify the person responsible. One suggestion called for filing a formal complaint and barring the individual from entering the store in the future.
Misuse of public and commercial spaces
Though no official response from the store has been reported so far, the incident has highlighted a recurring issue faced by retailers and public establishments across India—damage and unhygienic use of shared or commercial property.
Public spitting, particularly involving gutka and paan, remains a major cleanliness and public health concern despite repeated awareness campaigns and fines in several states.
Renewed calls for awareness and enforcement
The Kanpur incident has once again prompted calls for stronger civic education, stricter enforcement of cleanliness norms and greater accountability in public behaviour. Many users stressed that viral videos should serve as a wake-up call rather than a moment of ridicule.
As the video continues to circulate, it stands as a reminder that small acts of negligence can reflect poorly on cities and communities alike.