A video showing people collecting discarded chocolates and toffees from a dumping site in Kanpur has gone viral on social media. The products were reportedly dumped near the Panki highway area, close to a fertiliser factory, after being deemed unfit for sale. The footage shows a large number of people gathering at the site and taking away the confectionery in bags and carton boxes.
According to reports, the video was recorded around four days ago and shows people picking up chocolates from cartons that had allegedly been unloaded from a truck. Several individuals can be seen carrying away the products on bicycles, motorcycles and on foot. The incident reportedly drew crowds after word spread that large quantities of chocolates had been discarded at the site.
The person who recorded the footage claimed that he was passing through the Panki industrial area when he noticed a truck arriving at a nearby dumping ground. He alleged that several cartons containing chocolates were unloaded and discarded there, following which people in the surrounding area gathered to collect them. The footage does not independently establish the condition or expiry status of the products.
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Local residents reportedly told the person who filmed the video that the chocolates had expired in 2024. The recorder also claimed that he attempted to warn people not to consume the products because they were allegedly past their expiry date. However, according to his account, the warnings did not prevent people from taking the discarded confectionery.
Authorities have yet to issue a detailed official confirmation regarding the products or the circumstances surrounding their disposal. According to a Times of India report, DCP West SM Qasim Abidi said authorities had been alerted about the viral footage. He also said the officer-in-charge of Panki Police Station had been directed to investigate the matter.
The incident has drawn attention because of concerns over the collection and possible consumption of discarded food products. Until authorities establish the condition, expiry status and reason for disposal of the chocolates, the claims circulating with the video remain unverified. The police investigation is expected to clarify what was dumped at the site and why people were allowed to gather around the discarded products.
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