{
  "id": 8484549,
  "title": "‘iPhone langar’ stopped in Chandigarh, authorities say it could lead to stampede",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/iphone-langar-stopped-in-chandigarh-authorities-say-it-could-lead-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T15:02:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/chandigarh-iphone-langar-ban-section-163-bnss-stampede-risk-10885390/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chandigarh authorities have prohibited a planned 'iPhone langar' event on September 22 due to concerns over potential crowd control issues and stampedes. The proposal, announced on social media by Rakesh Trehan, an Amritsar-based businessman, involved distributing high-end iPhone models as 'prasad' (holy offering) in Chandigarh and Mohali. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav instructed the police to prevent the event, citing the risk of a large gathering. Trehan, known for making frequent social media announcements under the name 'Raja D King', has a history of organizing events like free petrol langars. However, the organizer had not obtained necessary permissions, and holding such a gathering would violate Section 163 of the BNSS, leading to penalties under Section 223 of the BNS. Violations can result in simple imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the disobedience.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Chandigarh authorities ban 'iPhone langar' event on September 22",
    "Event aimed to distribute iPhones as holy offering in Chandigarh and Mohali",
    "Police instructed to prevent gathering due to crowd control concerns"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}