Thar Towed by Donkeys Goes Global

New Delhi, November 18, 2025: A highly dramatic video from Pune, Maharashtra, showcasing a new Mahindra Thar SUV being pulled by a pair of donkeys to a dealership, has achieved massive viral status. The unusual spectacle, which was staged by the vehicle’s owner, Ganesh Sangade, was designed as a public protest against what were claimed to be persistent and unresolved manufacturing defects. The footage, which was quickly shared across platforms, has ignited intense debate and has led to direct appeals being made to Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra.

The protest was orchestrated after months of alleged frustration with the dealership’s service centre, Sahyadri Motors in Wakad. The Thar, which was purchased only a few months prior, was reported to be suffering from several critical defects, including water leakage into the cabin, a constant loud engine noise, and poor mileage that forced daily refueling. Despite the vehicle being taken for multiple services as was recommended by the company, the recurring issues were reportedly not fixed.

Netizens Demand Accountability

The core of the protest was the decision to use donkeys, a highly symbolic act that was meant to ridicule the dealership for its alleged lack of ‘horsepower’ in resolving customer complaints. The Thar was covered with bold posters written in Marathi, publicly condemning the service centre for “cheating customers by giving faulty cars.” To ensure maximum attention, the procession was accompanied by dhol-tasha drummers, transforming the journey into a spectacular and unforgettable demonstration.

The moment the video was posted online, the response was overwhelming. Millions of views were racked up within hours, and the conversation was swiftly steered towards the Chairman, Anand Mahindra. Dozens of posts were directed at his social media accounts, with users demanding a personal statement and assurance that strict action would be taken against the showroom and service managers whose alleged negligence was responsible for the customer’s extreme frustration. The widespread sentiment was that the company’s reputation was being tarnished by poor after-sales support.

Also Read: Updated Climate Targets to be Submitted to U.N. by December End

Shifting Focus to Customer Service

The viral success of the donkey-led demonstration is serving to highlight a critical issue within the Indian automobile sector: the perceived gap between product quality and the standard of after-sales service. While the Thar is celebrated for its rugged, dependable image, the owner’s complaints have been used by netizens to argue that the customer experience is often neglected once the sale is finalized. The extreme measure that was taken by Sangade is viewed by many as a reflection of the profound helplessness that is felt by consumers when corporate systems fail them.

Following the spectacle, officials at the service centre were reportedly left embarrassed and were compelled to offer a full and immediate resolution. The owner was assured that his vehicle would be properly repaired before it was returned to him. The entire incident has been cemented as a powerful case study demonstrating how social media can be wielded by ordinary citizens to hold large corporations accountable for their service standards.