Viral video of ‘puffed rice vendor’ being assaulted is a scripted skit

According to a report by the fact-checking outlet Alt News, a viral nine-second video clip depicting the assault of a puffed rice vendor is a scripted performance rather than a genuine incident. The footage shows an individual overturning a snack box hanging from a vendor's neck, causing the food to spill onto the street and the vendor's face.

Alt News analyzed the video and concluded that the interaction was staged for social media content. The investigation highlights a growing trend where creators produce provocative or distressing scenarios to gain engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, often without disclosing that the scenes are choreographed.

While the video sparked significant concern among viewers who initially believed it to be a real act of harassment, the analysis suggests that the participants were acting according to a pre-planned script. This incident serves as a reminder of the prevalence of staged content circulating online, which can often be mistaken for authentic news or criminal activity.