Actor Sonu Sood faces criticism after a video showing him riding a bike without a helmet or safety gear in Spiti Valley went viral. Known for his commendable philanthropic efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sood is now being scrutinised for a different reason. The footage, which surfaced on social media, depicts the actor riding a motorcycle in the remote, snow-covered region without the necessary protective equipment. This incident is particularly striking because Sood has previously advocated for road safety and responsible travel.
Sonu Sood’s Video Of Riding Bike Without Helmet In Spiti Valley Sparks Controversy
In the viral clip, Sonu is seen riding along the icy, rugged roads of Spiti shirtless, wearing only shorts and sunglasses. The video, shared by a local Instagram page, is captioned, “Yeh Spiti hai… yahan sirf asli log chalte hain,”. This unfiltered spirit—an image that seems to have backfired. While other clips from the trip show him wearing a helmet at times, the focus on the shirtless, gearless ride drew the most attention and outrage from the public.
Fans React To Sonu Sood’s Video
Netizens quickly expressed disappointment and called out perceived hypocrisy. One user commented, “Sir, you’ve always inspired people with your compassion. Please don’t set the wrong example by riding without a helmet or gear.” Another questioned, “If this is how celebrities behave in ecologically fragile areas, what message are we giving to the youth?”. A third individual directly asked Himachal Pradesh authorities, “Are celebrities above the law?”
Lahual-Spiti Police Issue Official Statement
The controversy prompted a response from local law enforcement. The Lahaul-Spiti police issued an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the viral video and confirming that an investigation was underway. The police stated, “A video is going viral on social media showing a Bollywood actor violating traffic rules in the Lahaul-Spiti district. Preliminary information suggests the video is from 2023. The investigation has been assigned to DySP Headquarters, Kyelang.”
A video allegedly showing a Bollywood actor violating traffic rules in Lahaul-Spiti is under investigation.
🔍 Initial info: Video may be from 2023
📌 Verification underway by DySP HQ Keylong
⚖️ District Police will take legal action if violations are confirmed. pic.twitter.com/UJHIyAavr2— Himachal Pradesh Police (@himachalpolice) May 26, 2025
They further added, “Necessary legal action will be taken as per the law. The district police appeal to all citizens and tourists to follow traffic rules and behave responsibly.”
Environmental activists also voiced concerns about the glorification of reckless behaviour in eco-sensitive zones like Spiti. Interestingly, this controversy comes shortly after Sood participated in a road safety campaign, urging the public to wear helmets and follow traffic rules, highlighting an ironic disconnect. Many observers expressed disappointment over what they see as a double standard. Sonu Sood has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the Spiti Valley administration has indicated that legal action will be pursued. The matter will not be overlooked.
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Akankshya Mukherjee has a passion for creativity and the drive to contribute as a valuable asset to the organisation. She is hungry for learning new skills. For her professional journey, she sees potential growth in communications, content writing, and reporting.