Chaos broke out at Crystal Mall on Kalawad Road, Rajkot, Gujarat, on 2 December 2025, around 6:30 PM, during an unpermitted promotional event for the Gujarati blockbuster ‘Laalo: Krishna Sada Sahaayate’, where thousands of fans surged uncontrollably, causing children to fall on escalators and creating stampede-like panic.
Actors Karan Joshi, Reeva Raach, and director Ankit Sakheeya arrived for a meet-and-greet, but overwhelming crowds led to pushing and shoving; bouncers and mall staff struggled as fans clamoured for selfies, with a young girl tumbling amid the melee.
Mall manager Sameer Ramjibhai Visani was booked at University Police Station for organising without police or local permissions, though no serious injuries were reported; police intervened swiftly to restore order, evacuating the stars safely.
Panic Grips Mall as Crowds Surge
Viral videos captured the harrowing scenes: fans climbing over each other, children crying and trapped in the crush near escalators, with the situation escalating rapidly from excitement to outright danger at the bustling Crystal Mall.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the star cast’s arrival ignited frenzy, overwhelming security as thousands poured in without capacity checks, highlighting glaring lapses in crowd control.
Police teams rushed to the spot, working alongside private bouncers to disperse the throng and prevent a full-scale stampede, underscoring the narrow escape from tragedy. Fortunately, the rapid response ensured no major harm, but the incident left families shaken, particularly those with young children caught in the pandemonium.
Film’s Massive Success Fuels Fan Frenzy
‘Laalo: Krishna Sada Sahaayate’, a devotional drama blending faith, emotion, and life’s struggles, has shattered records as Gujarat’s highest-grossing film, amassing over Rs 100 crore at the box office since its release, driving unprecedented hype across cities.
Promotional tours, hyped on social media with posts announcing the 2 December meet-and-greet at Crystal Mall, drew massive turnouts, but this event lacked mandatory sanctions, exposing regulatory gaps in managing celebrity appearances in public spaces.
Similar buzz has marked prior stops, yet Rajkot’s chaos reflects broader challenges in balancing cultural fervour with safety in commercial hubs like malls, where entertainment often intersects with shopping. Authorities have since warned of strict enforcement, filing complaints to deter repeats and calling for pre-event approvals.
Regulatory Lapses and Safety Concerns
The unauthorised nature of the event bypassing police notices and local body clearances stemmed from organisers’ oversight amid the film’s soaring popularity, a pattern seen in other high-profile promotions. Crystal Mall, a popular venue on Kalawad Road with cinemas and amenities, advertised the stars’ visit extensively online, yet failed to anticipate or prepare for the influx, leading to security breakdown.
Post-incident, investigations revealed no prior risk assessment, prompting police to book the manager under relevant sections for endangering public safety. This episode echoes recurring issues in Gujarat’s urban centres, where event hype outpaces infrastructure, urging malls and filmmakers to prioritise protocols like capacity limits and emergency drills. No official statements from the film’s team have surfaced yet, but the swift legal action signals a push for accountability.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This near-tragic melee at Crystal Mall exposes how unchecked enthusiasm can endanger lives, especially vulnerable children, demanding urgent empathy from organisers, malls, and fans to place safety above stardom. True cultural celebration flourishes through harmony when permissions foster peace, dialogue ensures preparation, and kindness guides crowds paving the way for positive change in public events. Let us champion coexistence by advocating stricter regulations and community awareness.
