
New Delhi, january 12, 2026: A shocking video featuring a Mahindra Thar driver has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media, reigniting a heated debate over road safety and a perceived “culture of entitlement” among certain SUV owners.
The self-recorded clip, titled “Benefits of Thar,” shows a man driving his SUV against oncoming traffic on a busy highway. Instead of showing concern for the safety of others, the driver is heard openly bragging that the primary advantage of owning a Thar is the ability to flout traffic laws without consequence.
In the video, which surfaced on January 11, 2026, the driver captures himself maneuvering through the wrong side of the road while the correct side remains congested with traffic.
“The biggest advantage of a Thar is that no one will bother you even if you drive on the wrong side,” the man claims in the footage. “No one will say anything.”
The driver continues to mock law-abiding citizens stuck in traffic, suggesting that the vehicle’s “road presence” serves as a shield against both the public and law enforcement.
The video quickly went viral, drawing millions of views and sharp condemnation. Netizens have labeled the behavior as part of a growing “Thartard” mentality—a term used by critics to describe a specific subset of drivers who use rugged SUVs to intimidate others and ignore the Motor Vehicles Act.
One prominent X (formerly Twitter) user, Rattan Dhillon, shared the video with a scathing caption:
“COVID ended, but another epidemic took over our roads—the Thartards mentality virus! How does buying a vehicle suddenly delete common sense? It’s honestly shocking and dangerous.”
Other users have tagged various traffic authorities, including the Delhi Traffic Police and UP Police, demanding the immediate suspension of the driver’s license and the impounding of the vehicle. Critics argue that such videos encourage hooliganism and put innocent lives at risk for the sake of social media “clout.”
This incident is not an isolated one. In late 2025, the Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) faced backlash for stating that the Thar had become a “statement” for rogue elements rather than just a car.
Past incidents involving the popular off-roader include:
While the exact location of the latest video has yet to be verified, police officials have confirmed they are analyzing the footage to identify the registration number and the individual behind the wheel. Under current laws, reckless driving and driving on the wrong side can lead to heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and imprisonment.
Road safety experts warn that the “tough” image of SUVs is being misused to bypass civil discipline. As the video continues to circulate, the call for stricter psychological screening for high-powered vehicle permits is gaining momentum.