Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 1: A man and his son were arrested after a viral Instagram reel showed the son firing gunshots in the air during Diwali celebrations in Delhi’s Shastri Nagar, police said on Friday. The pistol used in the incident was registered in the father’s name, whose firearm license had expired earlier this month.

The accused have been identified as Mukesh Kumar (42), a catering and sweets businessman, and his son Sumit Kumar (22). Both have been booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act and for endangering human life.

According to North District DCP Raja Banthia, a team from the Anti-Narcotics Cell was on routine patrol in the Shastri Nagar area on October 30 when they received specific information about a viral social media video showing a young man firing in the air. Acting swiftly on the input, the police traced the individual to his shop and detained him.

During questioning, Sumit reportedly confessed that he had created the video “to gain popularity on social media.” On Diwali night, he allegedly took his father’s licensed pistol from a drawer at home and fired two rounds into the air. He then uploaded the video to Instagram, where it quickly went viral.

Further investigation revealed that the firearm license in Mukesh Kumar’s name had expired on October 1, making the possession and use of the weapon illegal. The pistol has since been seized from their residence.

Police said the incident reflects a growing and concerning trend of individuals misusing social media platforms to seek online attention through dangerous stunts that compromise public safety.

Authorities have urged citizens to act responsibly during festive celebrations and warned that any misuse of firearms or violation of arms laws will invite strict legal action.