Chandigarh: A social media announcement promising a “petrol langar” in Chandigarh drew a large crowd to two petrol pumps in Sector 10 on Tuesday evening, with several people braving heavy rain to collect the promised fuel.
However, many residents returned disappointed after no petrol was distributed at the designated locations.
Social media post brings crowds to pumps
The announcement was shared online by Rakesh Trehan, also known as “Raja The King”, stating that petrol would be distributed at the Sector 10 petrol pumps from 5 pm.
The message quickly spread on social media, prompting several vehicle owners to reach the locations. Some said they had travelled specifically after seeing videos and posts about the proposed fuel distribution.
A woman identified as Suman said she came after watching an Instagram video about the petrol langar. She claimed petrol pump attendants told people they did not have permission to distribute fuel.
She said only around 10 to 15 people were given tokens.
Residents wait in heavy rain
Another resident, Anshu, said he waited at a petrol pump for nearly two hours despite the heavy rainfall.
According to him, people were being asked to return on Saturday or Sunday. The situation left several residents frustrated after they had travelled to the location expecting the promised fuel.
The gathering continued amid confusion over whether the distribution would take place.
Organiser postpones petrol langar
Trehan later released a video explaining that the petrol langar had been postponed because of the heavy rain.
He apologised to those who had reached the petrol pumps and said he did not want people to travel long distances, remain in the rain or risk falling ill.
He announced that the petrol langar would instead begin on August 21 at the same time and location and continue for three days until August 23.
Trehan also said coupons or cards would be issued on August 21 for the petrol distribution.
The incident has left many residents questioning the arrangements and communication surrounding the social media announcement, even as the organiser has promised a revised schedule.