A sensational promotional offer by a new footwear store in Kozhikode turned chaotic, drawing massive crowds and leading to police intervention with lathis. The incident unfolded on March 7, 2026, highlighting the frenzy sparked by viral social media ads promising premium shoes for just one rupee.
The Irresistible Offer That Went Viral
Trend Factory, a newly opened shop on Vaikom Muhammad Basheer Road in Mananchira, advertised an inauguration deal: the first 100 customers showing a ₹1 note would get shoes worth ₹2500, with the next 100 receiving watches worth ₹1500. Social media reels on Instagram spread the word like wildfire, pulling in people from districts like Wayanad, Kasaragod, Kannur, Malappuram, and beyond.
Crowds started gathering as early as 2 AM, with families, youth, and even children camping out in anticipation. By morning, hundreds had choked the busy street, creating traffic snarls and a stampede-like panic near the popular Mananchira area.
Escalation to Clash and Police Action
As the store opened, tensions boiled over when only a limited number could enter, far short of the promised 200. Frustrated shoppers pushed forward, leading to shoving matches and disorder. Police rushed in, resorting to a lathi charge to disperse the unruly mob and restore order.
Several people sustained minor injuries in the melee, though no major casualties were reported. Eyewitnesses, including a boy from Wayanad who arrived at 2:30 AM, described a sea of eager faces already waiting, underscoring how the offer transcended local boundaries.
Shop Owners Booked Amid Backlash
Authorities detained the shop owners for misleading promotions and failing to arrange adequate security or crowd management. The case draws attention to reckless marketing tactics that prioritize buzz over safety, especially in densely populated urban spots like Mananchira.
Local traders and residents criticized the stunt, calling it a publicity gimmick gone wrong that disrupted daily life. Videos of the lathi charge and chaotic scenes quickly went viral on YouTube channels like Manorama News and News18 Kerala, amplifying public outrage.