The former Bigg Boss contestant finds himself caught in the middle of an extremely controversial video that caused great revulsion after he detonated a hazardous petrol-based explosion for a social media video reel.
As we all know, the very video shared virally shows what kind of action Rajat is able to undertake, putting petrol into a plastic container, then igniting it with great ferocity. This also shows careless internet behaviours and danger to public safety.
But the stunt was reportedly mounted to garner awareness and interaction on social media, and the media has received harsh criticism from netizens (as well as the police). Rajat has had to bear the brunt of the public outcry. Some users question a very well-known public figure doing something so dangerous that other people might be hurt in the process, or even be at risk with those behaviours.
That's not only bad for the person who does it, but it can also be a dangerous role model for more vulnerable people, according to critics. Promising new social media fads can be on some young users' minds, and videos like this could lead others to mirror stunts this way without realising it.
Any petrol explosion, however small, has the quickity of getting out of hand and damaging or even killing someone, the potential to cause injury or property damage and death. The backlash has been compounded by the fact, he added, that Rajat, in turn, is said to have a history of reckless conduct, some of which he claimed extended to reckless acts in his private life. He was previously arrested and jailed for reckless social media stunts. But his behaviour lately demonstrates utter disregard for the safety requirements and consequences of that behaviour.
The public reaction has been extremely harsh. “Who would be responsible if such a stunt resulted in some accident involving bystanders? “If we’re trying to replicate this and something goes awry, then who are we supposed to blame?” has a theme on social media.
There is also an aspect of public safety & law enforcement that has been a major legal risk for designing or developing an explosive device or other explosives, even when it was for entertainment. The authorities are reviewing the viral video with a focus on the legality of breaking any laws and how someone should then be held responsible when the violating parties do the actual acting.
We also know the dark side of social media, and if we are focused more on likes and views rather than doing what matters and being responsible and morals we'll lose it. Particularly if from influencers and public figures, who can mobilise crowds in broad. And the need for tighter regulations and understanding of online behaviour also cannot be exaggerated, if any evidence ever exists of anything in the Rajat case.
Creativity and fun are just as important for digital platforms; they don’t need to be the price payoffs of safety and public well-being. In some respects, the episode asks: How does this say we solve this future problem after all? How do we tell the difference between creating content for the public good? Until clearer lines are drawn on what’s proper and inappropriate use of public health and safety, such events can truly come to risk the lives of people on the altar of the viral good name?
