Businessman Rakesh Trehan, widely known as Raja D King, distributed ten iPhone 17 handsets from a private bungalow in Chandigarh's Sector 10 on Tuesday. This scaled-back event followed the intervention of local authorities, who had stopped his original plan for a large-scale public giveaway.
The Amritsar-based entrepreneur had initially announced an 'iPhone Langar', promising to distribute 100 iPhone 17 and higher models as 'prasad' at a public gathering on September 22. Under the original scheme, winners were to be selected through a drawing held in front of a crowd.
Authorities Cite Public Safety Concerns
Chandigarh authorities stepped in ahead of the planned public event, citing significant concerns over potential crowd management issues and public safety. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav directed police to halt the proposed gathering, expressing worries that it could attract an uncontrollable crowd and lead to a stampede-like situation. The administration also confirmed that no formal permission had been sought for the event.
Following the official intervention, Raja D King moved the giveaway to a private residence. In a video message, Trehan addressed the change, stating, "We are giving 10 phones right now... We were supposed to give 100 phones. People of Chandigarh can come and take the phones anytime." He also mentioned receiving numerous calls, which prevented the creation of WhatsApp groups for coordination.
Previous 'Petrol Langar' Also Disrupted
This is not the first time Raja D King's public giveaways have faced disruption. Weeks prior to the iPhone event, he had announced a 'petrol langar' in Chandigarh, offering free fuel coupons worth Rs 500 for two and three-wheelers and Rs 1,000 for four-wheelers.
That event, too, was postponed after heavy rain led to chaos at a Sector 10 petrol station. A large crowd gathered, but no fuel was distributed, leaving many disappointed. Police were called to manage the situation, and Trehan later stated the petrol giveaway would be rescheduled.