Weddings are meant to be joyous occasions, but for Dev Kumar, a newlywed groom in Meerut, his post-wedding journey turned into an action-packed thriller worthy of a Bollywood blockbuster. The star of the show? Dev himself, who chased down a pickup driver accused of snatching a Rs 100 note from his traditional ‘currency note garland’ on NH-58.
Decked out in his wedding finery, including a vibrant red turban and a garland of Rs 100 notes, Dev was on his way home after the festivities when a sneaky pickup driver allegedly swiped a note from his prized garland. Dev, however, was not one to let the matter slide.
Spotting the theft, the groom sprang into action. He flagged down a passing motorist, requesting a lift, and the two embarked on a dramatic chase through Meerut’s bustling National Highway. The suspense heightened as Dev closed in on the alleged thief’s vehicle. Then came the pièce de résistance: Dev leapt onto the moving truck, climbing through the passenger-side window with all the agility of a seasoned stuntman.
Caught on video, the scene has since gone viral, showing Dev retrieving his garland from the startled driver’s grasp and climbing back out of the truck - still dressed in his wedding attire. As the drama unfolded, Dev’s relatives arrived at the scene, adding reinforcements to ensure the driver did not escape.
What could have been a simple case of theft quickly transformed into a comedy goldmine for social media users. One X (formerly Twitter) user quipped, “Cash mala was more important than varmala.” Another joked, “Plot twist: The groom planned this to avoid the wedding night!” Comparisons to Bhojpuri action sequences and punchlines like “UP is not for beginners” dominated the online chatter.
The video also captured the accused driver, later identified as Manish Sehgal, pleading with the groom to spare him as Dev and his relatives delivered a stern lesson in highway justice.
While Dev Kumar has been hailed as a local hero, Manish Sehgal offers a different take on the incident. According to Sehgal, he had nothing to do with the alleged theft.
Instead, he claims the groom accused him of brushing against his vehicle, which escalated into the high-speed chase and a confrontation he describes as unwarranted.
The contrasting versions have left the local police scratching their heads. As of now, no formal complaint has been registered. Regardless of the truth, Dev Kumar’s daring act has turned him into an overnight celebrity. In a region known for its high drama, this particular episode reminded everyone that not all heroes wear capes, some wear wedding turbans and currency garlands.
As one user summed it up, “Meerut never disappoints. This groom didn’t just chase love, he chased justice and Rs 100!”
