Kozhikode: A massive rush and scuffle broke out in front of a shoe store after it announced an offer promising free shoes to the first 100 people who arrived with an old ₹1 note. The incident occurred at Mananchira. The offer was made by a shop named Trend Factory as part of its inauguration.

From early Sunday morning, large number of people of all ages gathered near the store hoping to receive the free footwear, leading to chaos and overcrowding. A majority of those who arrived were children.

Although the offer stated that people should reach the shop by 10 am, crowds began gathering as early as 2 am. As the situation went out of control, the shop owners informed the police. Officers soon arrived at the spot and used lathi to disperse the crowd. Several people, including children, were reportedly injured. The shop owners have been taken into police custody.

According to the announcement, the first 100 people arriving with an old ₹1 note would receive free shoes, while the next 100 would be given watches. The offer had been widely circulated on social media platforms, including Instagram, which drew large crowds from different places.

Sources said that a few people who arrived first in the early hours were able to receive the shoes.