A brand-new Mahindra Thar SUV crashed dramatically out of the first floor of a Delhi showroom on Monday evening, after a traditional ritual took an unexpected turn.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Maani Pawar from Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, had just taken delivery of the SUV at Mahindra’s Nirman Vihar showroom. Before driving it onto the road, she attempted a customary ritual—placing a lemon under the wheel and gently driving over it, a gesture believed to ward off bad luck.
But instead of easing the Thar forward, Pawar mistakenly pressed the accelerator. In seconds, the powerful SUV lurched forward, broke through the showroom’s glass wall, and plunged onto the pavement below.
Lucky Escape for Driver and Showroom Employee
Showroom employee Vikas sat inside the vehicle during the accident and accompanied Pawar for the ritual. Thanks to the Thar’s robust build and airbag deployment, both escaped with minor injuries.
Doctors at Malik Hospital immediately treated them for shock and minor bruises, and discharged them the same evening.
Police Confirmation and Case Details
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania confirmed that a medico-legal case (MLC) was registered. He stated:
“It was found that Maani and her husband Pradeep had purchased a Thar Rox variant from the showroom. While performing the ritual, Maani lost control of the vehicle and the accident occurred.”
Authorities added that no pedestrians or bystanders were injured, which many described as “nothing short of a miracle,” considering the busy location.
Rituals and Risk: A Closer Look at the ‘Totka’
Why lemons under the wheel?
The practice of placing lemons or coconuts under a new vehicle’s wheels is a popular cultural ritual in India, believed to protect the owner from accidents and bring prosperity.
- Symbolism of lemon: Absorbs negativity and is linked with good fortune.
- Driving over it: Represents crushing obstacles on the road ahead.
However, safety experts say such rituals should be performed outside the showroom in open space, with clear supervision.
The risks of showroom rituals
- Showrooms often operate on multiple floors, making such rituals inherently unsafe.
- Modern SUVs like the Mahindra Thar are extremely powerful, requiring careful handling.
- Even a small mistake, like pressing the wrong pedal, can cause serious accidents.
Expert Opinions
Road safety experts have weighed in on the incident. R.K. Sharma, a retired traffic officer, commented:
“Rituals are part of our culture, but they must never compromise safety. Such activities should be conducted at ground level, not inside showrooms where lives can be at risk.”
Meanwhile, automobile dealers in Delhi acknowledged that they frequently witness customers performing these rituals but admitted that they need stricter safety protocols in place.
Public Reactions
Within hours, social media users made the crash video go viral. Some people expressed relief that no one lost their life, while others joked about the accident, saying, “That’s one way to test Thar’s off-road ability” and “From showroom to road—literally in seconds.
What This Means for Customers and Showrooms
This incident raises important questions about balancing cultural practices with safety:
- Showrooms may introduce designated ritual areas on the ground floor to avoid similar mishaps.
- Customers need guidance on handling powerful vehicles, especially when they’re first-time SUV owners.
- Regulatory checks could ensure rituals don’t put staff, customers, or bystanders at risk.