Man Arrested for Setting Mumbai Road Ablaze for Social Media Reel on 33rd Birthday

A 33-year-old automobile dealer was arrested in Mumbai’s Goregaon area after allegedly setting a portion of a public road on fire to create a social media reel celebrating his birthday, police said.

The accused, identified as Fahad Khalil Shamshuddin Sheikh, allegedly carried out the act around midnight on April 25 near Ram Mandir Road in Goregaon West , close to the Sunteck City residential complex . He reportedly poured petrol on the road surface and ignited it in the shape of the number “33” to mark his age.

Police said the act was recorded on video, in which the accused can be seen walking along the burning markings before leaving the spot in his vehicle. The clip soon circulated widely online, triggering public outrage.

The incident came to light after citizens and journalists tagged the Mumbai Police on social media, prompting authorities to immediately launch a probe. Officers from Goregaon Police reached the location, verified the damage, and registered an FIR.

Officials confirmed that the fire caused damage to multiple points on the road surface , raising serious concerns about public safety given the residential setting and presence of nearby vehicles.

Sheikh has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita , including sections related to negligent handling of fire and acts endangering life and public safety.

Some reports also note that the accused, an automobile dealer, has been under investigation for performing the stunt solely to gain attention on social media. Further inquiry is underway to examine how the act was planned and whether others were involved in filming or encouraging it.