The Deadly Price of a Reel: How a Jija Saala Duo Lost Their Lives in Haryana

​In the digital age, everyone is looking for that one viral moment. We want the perfect lighting, the right song, and a background that catches the eye. But for two relatives in Haryana, the search for the perfect social media reel ended in an unimaginable tragedy. A "jija" (brother-in-law) and his "saala" (brother of the wife) were struck and killed by a speeding train while filming content on railway tracks. This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves across the state and serves as a grim reminder of the fatal obsession with online fame.

​The incident occurred near the railway tracks in Haryana, where the two men had gone specifically to record a video for social media. In their quest for a dramatic shot, they ignored the most basic rule of survival: never stand on a live railway line. As they were focused on their phones and the "aesthetic" of the tracks, a high-speed train approached. Before they could react, the heavy machinery claimed their lives, leaving two families devastated and a community in mourning.

​The Allure of the Tracks: Why People Risk it All

​It is a common sight in India to see youngsters and even adults posing on railway tracks. There is something about the symmetry of the rails and the vastness of the landscape that appeals to the camera. People think it looks "cool" or "cinematic." They see popular influencers doing it and think they can replicate the magic for their own followers.

​However, what the camera doesn't capture is the sheer speed and silence of a modern train. People often assume they will hear a train coming from miles away. In reality, on a straight track, a train moving at 100 kilometers per hour can reach you in seconds. The vibration often arrives too late for someone focused on a screen. For this jija saala duo, the focus was on the lens, not the looming threat behind them.

​A Growing Epidemic of "Death by Social Media"

​This is not an isolated case. Over the last few years, India has seen a massive surge in accidents related to "dangerous selfies" and "risky reels." From the edges of waterfalls to the middle of busy highways, the thirst for likes is driving people to the brink of death.

​Statistics show that India has one of the highest rates of selfie-related deaths in the world. When you add the pressure of creating "reels" to the mix, the danger multiplies. People are no longer just standing still; they are dancing, performing stunts, or walking along tracks while recording. This distraction is what makes the railway line a death trap. The brain cannot process the creative task of filming and the survival task of monitoring a dangerous environment at the same time.

​The Devastating Impact on Families

​Behind every viral video attempt that goes wrong, there is a family left behind to pick up the pieces. In this Haryana case, the bond between a jija and saala is traditionally one of friendship and celebration. They were likely spending time together, having fun, and trying to create a memory. Instead, that memory has become a nightmare for their wives, children, and parents.

​The loss of two young men in a single family is a blow that is hard to recover from. It’s not just the emotional toll; it’s the sudden vacuum created in the household. These were men with dreams, jobs, and responsibilities. All of that was wiped out in a matter of seconds for a video that will never even be posted.

​Railway Safety: Laws vs. Human Behavior

​The Indian Railways and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have been screaming themselves hoarse about the dangers of trespassing. Walking on railway tracks is a punishable offense under the Railways Act. You can be fined, jailed, or both. Yet, every day, thousands of people treat the tracks like a public park.

​Authorities have tried everything—from awareness posters to loud announcements at stations. Some zones have even started monitoring social media to identify people who film on tracks and serve them legal notices. But laws can only do so much. The real change has to come from within. We need to ask ourselves: is a 15-second video worth more than fifty years of life?

​The Role of Social Media Platforms

​There is also a conversation to be had about the platforms themselves. Algorithms often reward "extreme" or "unique" content. When a video of someone standing in front of a moving train goes viral, it encourages ten more people to try the same thing.

​While platforms like Instagram and TikTok have started adding "sensitive content" warnings or removing videos that depict self-harm, the sheer volume of content makes it hard to police. As users, we also play a role. When we "like" or "share" content that clearly involves a safety risk, we are indirectly encouraging that behavior. We need to stop glorifying dangerous stunts and start valuing safety.

​How to Stay Safe While Staying Creative

​You don't have to risk your life to be a creator. There are plenty of ways to get great shots without stepping onto a railway track or a ledge.

• ​Choose safe locations: Use parks, cafes, or public squares where you aren't at risk of being hit by a vehicle.

• ​Be aware of your surroundings: If you are filming outdoors, always have a "spotter"—a friend whose only job is to watch out for traffic or dangers while you focus on the camera.

• ​Respect the "No Entry" signs: Those signs are there for a reason. Railway tracks, construction sites, and high-voltage areas are not film sets.

• ​Focus on quality, not risk: A well-told story or a funny joke is much better than a risky stunt. People follow creators for their personality, not just because they stood in a dangerous spot.

​Conclusion: A Final Wake-Up Call

​The tragedy in Haryana is a heart-wrenching lesson for all of us. The jija and saala who lost their lives were just like any of us—full of life and looking to share a bit of joy with the world. Their deaths were entirely preventable.

​We must stop treating life like it’s a video game where you can hit "restart." On the railway tracks of real life, there are no second chances. Let this incident be the final wake-up call for everyone who thinks "it won't happen to me." The next time you pick up your phone to film a reel, look around you. Make sure the ground you are standing on is safe. Your followers can wait for a video, but your family cannot wait for a person who is never coming home.