A young man lost his life in a tragic accident in New Ashok Garden, Delhi, after allegedly shooting himself while filming a social media reel with a pistol belonging to his friend, police officials said on Tuesday.
Incident caught on camera
The deceased, identified as Pawan, was reportedly recording a video when the incident occurred. According to police, the entire sequence was captured on camera, showing the victim handling the firearm under the guidance of his friend, who was filming the reel.
In the video, Pawan is seen inserting the magazine into the pistol, with his friend instructing him on how to properly load it. The firearm used in the incident was licensed in the name of the friend, officials confirmed.
Fatal mistake during filming
After loading the weapon, Pawan placed the pistol against his chest. Despite his friend cautioning him not to pull the trigger, reportedly assuming it was part of the act, Pawan smiled at the camera and fired the shot.
The video also captured the immediate shock and panic of the friend as he realised the gravity of the situation.
Rushed to hospital, declared dead
Following the incident, Pawan was immediately taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. However, he succumbed during treatment, police said.
An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident, including whether safety protocols were ignored and how the firearm was handled.
Growing concerns over risky social media trends
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with performing risky acts for social media content. Authorities have repeatedly warned against the misuse of firearms and engaging in unsafe stunts for online attention.
Experts emphasise the need for greater awareness, particularly among youth, about the serious consequences of such actions. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how momentary decisions can lead to irreversible loss.