Sonu Sood, widely admired for his humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 crisis, now finds himself embroiled in controversy after a video emerged showing him riding a motorcycle in Spiti Valley without a helmet or protective clothing. The footage, which quickly went viral, has sparked a wave of criticism from netizens and drawn the attention of local law enforcement.
In the clip, Sood can be seen navigating the snowy roads of Spiti shirtless, wearing only a pair of shorts and sunglasses. The video was posted by a regional Instagram account with the caption, “Yeh Spiti hai… yahan sirf asli log chalte hain,” presenting a rugged image that some say sends the wrong message. Although other footage from the same trip shows the actor wearing a helmet, it’s the now-viral shirtless and gearless moment that has ignited outrage online.
Many social media users expressed disappointment, citing the contradiction between the actor’s actions and his previous support for safe and responsible travel. “Sir, you’ve always inspired people with your compassion. Please don’t set the wrong example by riding without a helmet or gear,” read one comment. Another questioned the environmental and legal implications of such behavior in a delicate ecosystem: “If this is how celebrities behave in ecologically fragile areas, what message are we giving the youth?” A third voice tagged state authorities, pointedly asking, “Are celebrities above the law?”
In response to the growing public concern, the Lahaul-Spiti police issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the video had reached their notice and that an inquiry was underway. “A video is going viral on social media in which a Bollywood actor is seen violating traffic rules in Lahaul-Spiti district. According to preliminary information, the video appears to be from the year 2023. The task of investigating the authenticity has been handed over to DySP Headquarters, Kyelang,” the statement read.
The incident raises broader questions about celebrity responsibility, especially in light of their influence and visibility. While Sonu Sood philanthropic work remains respected, this episode serves as a reminder of how quickly public perception can shift when actions don’t align with advocacy.
