A promise of free petrol has turned into a social media-driven spectacle in Chandigarh, with a large crowd gathering at a petrol station despite heavy rain. The initiative, called ‘Petrol Langar’, was announced by Amritsar-based businessman and social worker Rakesh Trehan, popularly known as ‘Raja D King’.

Trehan had announced free fuel coupons for vehicle owners as part of the initiative. But heavy rain in Chandigarh on Tuesday forced the planned distribution to be postponed, leaving several people who had gathered at a petrol station waiting without receiving the promised coupons.

What is Rakesh Trehan’s ‘Petrol Langar’?

Trehan had planned to distribute free petrol coupons worth Rs 500 to owners of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, while four-wheeler owners were to receive coupons worth Rs 1,000.

The distribution was initially scheduled for August 18. In a video posted on social media, Trehan said he decided to postpone the event because he did not want people to stand in the rain and face inconvenience.

He later announced that the petrol distribution would instead begin on Friday, August 21, and continue for three days until Sunday.

Despite the postponement, the earlier announcement had already attracted a large number of people to the designated petrol station in Chandigarh’s Sector 10. Some people said they had waited for hours in the rain expecting the free fuel coupons.

One youth told reporters that he had reached the location despite the heavy rain and waited for around two hours, only to learn that the distribution had been postponed.

The crowd reportedly became difficult to manage, with the petrol station eventually being shut amid the rush. Police were also called to the location, according to reports.

Why is it called a ‘Petrol Langar’?

The term ‘Petrol Langar’ refers to Trehan’s idea of extending the concept of free community assistance to fuel instead of food.

Under his plan, eligible vehicle owners would receive coupons that could be redeemed for petrol. The initiative gained attention after details of the proposed giveaway were circulated widely on social media.

The unusual concept quickly triggered curiosity among residents, with the promise of free fuel drawing people to the petrol station even as heavy rain continued in the city.

Who is Rakesh Trehan, ‘Raja D King’?

Rakesh Trehan is an Amritsar-based businessman and social worker who has recently gained attention for a series of unconventional charity initiatives.

Trehan has described himself as a crypto trader and has spoken about his plans to give away a large portion of his wealth. He has said he wants to donate 90 per cent of his wealth, including much of the wealth he inherited from his father, as well as 90 per cent of his own wealth.

His charitable activities have increasingly been promoted through social media under the name ‘Raja D King’.

Before announcing the petrol giveaway, Trehan had organised another initiative in Chandigarh in which Rs 500 currency notes were distributed along with food items to people in need.