Mahindra Thar Submerged in Lake Near Delhi in Reckless Viral Attempt

New Delhi, November 10, 2025: A dangerous off-roading stunt went drastically wrong recently when a Mahindra Thar, a popular four-wheel-drive SUV, sank into a lake near the Delhi-NCR region. The alarming incident, which was captured on video and has since gone viral, reportedly occurred during a group outing of SUV enthusiasts who were off-roading near the Aravalli range, bordering Gurugram and Faridabad.

The footage shows the black SUV driving recklessly into the water body, which appeared to be a relatively shallow lake or pond. Initially, the powerful vehicle manages to move through the water, stirring up large waves. However, within moments, the water level overwhelms the vehicle, and the Thar is seen quickly losing traction and sinking, with water covering the bonnet and eventually the windshield.

The Pursuit of Viral Content and Real-World Danger

The incident is the latest in a troubling trend where individuals, particularly youth, engage in perilous and illegal stunts with high-end vehicles for the sake of creating sensational social media content, often referred to as ‘reels’ or viral videos. While the desire for online fame drives these actions, the real-world consequences can be severe, ranging from vehicle damage and environmental harm to risking human life.

In this specific case, reports suggest the group involved was part of a collective known as the ‘Gang of Thars,’ indicating a planned excursion that led to this misadventure. The video shows the other vehicles quickly surrounding the submerged Thar, suggesting a coordinated, albeit poorly executed, attempt at an extreme off-road maneuver.

Fortunately, it is understood that the occupants of the sinking vehicle were able to exit the SUV safely before it was completely submerged. Following the incident, efforts were reportedly made by the group and potentially local assistance to winch and pull the heavily damaged Thar out of the water.

Legal and Environmental Ramifications

Such acts of reckless driving in or near natural water bodies not only pose a danger to the occupants of the vehicle but also inflict significant environmental damage. The engine oil, fuel, and other automotive fluids from a submerged vehicle can contaminate the lake water, severely impacting the local aquatic ecosystem and wildlife.

While specific legal action in this latest case is yet to be fully detailed by authorities, similar incidents in the past across the country—such as driving into the sea in Gujarat or driving on prohibited lake banks in Ladakh—have led to police complaints, seizure of vehicles, and charges filed under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act for rash driving and endangering public safety. The viral video serves as crucial evidence, making it highly likely that the owners and drivers involved in the Gurugram/Faridabad incident will face strict penalties.

The incident underscores the growing need for traffic authorities and law enforcement to take stringent measures to curb dangerous and irresponsible driving, especially those motivated by the pursuit of social media notoriety.