‘Human Parcel’ Stunt in Bengaluru Sparks Panic; Elderly Man Found Inside Sack at Courier Office
Bengaluru, 19th March 2026: A bizarre and dangerous social media stunt caused alarm in Bengaluru after an elderly man was discovered packed inside a sack at a courier facility, prompting swift intervention by staff and a police inquiry.
The incident occurred in the Vyalikaval area when a family approached a courier office seeking to send a large gunny bag to Mangaluru. Their refusal to disclose the contents raised suspicion among employees, who insisted on checking the package before processing it.
Upon opening the sack, the staff was shocked to find an elderly man inside, visibly distressed and struggling to breathe. He was immediately assisted, given water, and brought to safety, averting what officials later said could have turned into a life-threatening situation.
Police from the Vyalikaval station were alerted soon after, triggering a brief security scare in the locality. Although the family initially left the premises, they were later traced and brought in for questioning.
During the investigation, the family reportedly admitted that the act was a pre-planned stunt intended for social media. They claimed it was meant to draw attention to rising travel costs and difficulties in securing tickets during the festive season. The elderly man involved was identified as a relative of the family.
Authorities strongly criticised the act, warning that such reckless behaviour could have led to suffocation and serious harm. Police counselled those involved on the potential consequences and irresponsible nature of the stunt, following which the family issued a formal apology.
The incident has since gained traction online, reigniting concerns over hazardous content created for viral attention and underscoring the need for greater accountability in the pursuit of social media fame.
