A video is being widely shared on social media in which an e-rickshaw is being smashed while the driver is pleading with the officials to stop.
by the
Those sharing the video claim it is from Delhi, showing the Public Works Department (PWD) in action.
A social media user shared the video with a caption that reads, “The Municipal Corporation PWD people broke the rickshaw of a poor man. What was the fault of this poor rickshaw puller?”
The hashtags mentioned are, “#mcd #mcddelhi #mcdonaldschallenge #viralphotochallenge #viralpost2025 #trendingreels #followerseveryonehighlights #hilights #follower #followersreels Arvind Kejriwal Imran Hussain Amanatullah Khan Firoz Pradhan REKHA GUPTA CM IN DELHI”
SouthCheck found that the claim is false. The viral video is from Bangladesh.
On a Google reverse image search, we found that a similar video was shared by a YouTube channel, Centrist Nation TV, on May 14. At around 33 seconds, we can see the same rickshaw driver crying. The video is shared with a caption suggesting that Dhaka authorities seized and destroyed hundreds of illegal battery-powered rickshaws from the city’s main roads. The operation, carried out along Mirpur Road from Dhanmondi-27 to Asadgate, involved loading rickshaws onto trucks before crushing them with heavy machinery. Heart-wrenching scenes emerged as rickshaw pullers begged officials to spare their only means of livelihood.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz defended the ban, citing traffic congestion and safety issues. Officials said some rickshaws were destroyed symbolically and plans for compensation and a formal licensing system are underway.
We found that the same video was also shared by Dhaka Tribune on May 13, with a caption which, when translated into English, reads, “City Corporation crushes battery-powered autorickshaw for entering main road.”
Taking a hint, we searched with relevant keywords and found a report published by The Business Standard on May 14. The report stated that Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has provided financial assistance of Tk1.5 lakh to the owners of three battery-powered rickshaws that were recently crushed during a crackdown on illegal vehicles operating on main roads. Each owner received Tk50,000 as compensation.
Therefore, we conclude that the viral claim is false.