Police Apprehend Man Over Viral Gun-Firing Video

New Delhi, December 31, 2025: A swift crackdown on firearm-related misconduct was witnessed this week following the emergence of a provocative viral video. On December 30, 2025, police authorities confirmed the arrest of a young man, identified as Pankaj Tanwar, whose reckless actions at a social gathering were widely circulated on social media. The arrest was triggered by a 32-second clip that showed the suspect brandishing a pistol and firing multiple rounds into the air during a wedding ceremony. The act, which was reportedly performed to gain “social media clout,” was observed causing panic among the guests and immediate outrage from the digital community.

The Role of Social Media in the Crackdown

The digital trail left by the suspect played a decisive role in the law enforcement response. It was noted by officials that the video reached over 100,000 views within hours, with dozens of users tagging local police departments and demanding strict intervention. The viral nature of the footage ensured that the suspect could not remain hidden for long. On December 10, 2025 (with final proceedings concluding today), a specialized team was observed intercepting Tanwar near a local park after he had attempted to evade capture by moving between various locations in the Delhi-NCR region.

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Seizure of Illegal Weaponry and Ammunition

In the aftermath of the apprehension, a significant recovery of illegal items was reported by the investigative team. A 0.32 bore pistol, which was seen in the viral video, was seized along with several live cartridges and a magazine. It was discovered during preliminary questioning that the firearm belonged to a friend of the suspect, whose license status is currently being verified by the authorities. The man has been booked under the Arms Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for endangering the lives and personal safety of others.

A Growing Trend of “Reel-Based” Crime

This incident is being cited as part of a worrying pattern where individuals utilize illegal firearms to create content for social media fame. Just a week prior, a similar case was observed in Noida, where a 22-year-old was apprehended alongside his father after a Diwali firing video went viral. These “celebratory firings” have been described by police commissioners as a severe threat to public order, often resulting in accidental deaths and permanent injuries. A zero-tolerance policy has been announced against anyone found brandishing or discharging weapons at social events, regardless of the license status of the firearm.

The Legal Consequences of Digital Bravado

As the year 2025 draws to a close, this arrest serves as a grim reminder that “internet fame” can lead to real-world imprisonment. The suspect has been remanded to judicial custody, and his social media accounts were observed being scrutinized for further evidence of criminal association. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing such content, as it “glorifies gun culture” and encourages copycat behavior among the youth. The case stands as a milestone for the cyber-crime and local police divisions, highlighting their increased capability to monitor and act on viral threats in real-time.