Chandigarh will see a novel form of charity on Tuesday evening as an Amritsar-based organiser stages a petrol distribution drive at two city fuel outlets. The event, described by its organiser as a "petrol langar", is scheduled to begin at 5 pm on August 18 at petrol pumps in Sector 7 and Sector 10, Chandigarh.
How the drive will work
According to details accompanying the initiative, eligible visitors at the designated pumps will receive fuel coupons valued at ₹500 or ₹1,000, which can be redeemed for petrol. The organiser, identified as Rakesh Trehan and popularly known by the sobriquet "Raja Di King", is reported to have shared the scheme in a video message announcing the timings and locations.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Rakesh Trehan (known as "Raja Di King"), associated with Amritsar |
| Date & Time | 18 August, 5 pm |
| Locations | Sectors 7 and 10 petrol pumps, Chandigarh |
| Coupon values | ₹500 and ₹1,000 (redeemable for fuel) |
Background and previous drives
The petrol distribution follows earlier unconventional charity activities by the same individual in the region. Reports say Trehan has organised public distributions combining food and cash—one event in Sector 8 reportedly included distribution of ₹500 currency notes along with fast-food items such as McDonald’s burgers and soft drinks.
The organiser has framed these drives as expressions of faith and gratitude. Media reports indicate Trehan has attributed his philanthropic efforts to his faith and to what he describes as blessings of a deity referenced as Mahamai. No official sanction or partnership with government agencies has been reported for the current petrol drive.
"iPhone langar" was mentioned in materials about future plans, indicating the organiser's intention to carry out further unconventional giveaways.
Public reaction and practical considerations
The petrol langar concept has drawn attention for taking the traditional idea of communal assistance—langar—beyond food and into daily expenses such as fuel. Residents and commuters intending to participate should note the stated timing and locations, and be prepared for possible queues at the pumps.
- Only those at the designated petrol pumps in Sectors 7 and 10 at the announced time are eligible, according to the organiser's announcement.
- The coupons are described as redeemable for fuel; details on the number of coupons, eligibility criteria or identity checks have not been provided in the announcement.
- There is no public record in the announcement of formal ties between the organiser and the petrol retail companies or civic authorities.
Context and civic perspective
Charitable drives that distribute cash, food or other goods are not uncommon in the region, but the petrol langar represents an unusual take on such initiatives. Events of this nature can draw large crowds and cause localised traffic congestion; citizens are advised to travel with patience and to follow directions from pump staff or local authorities if present.
At the time of the announcement, no statements from the petroleum retailers involved or from Chandigarh civic officials about logistical arrangements had been published. Residents seeking clarification should monitor official channels of the respective petrol pump outlets and local administration advisories.
The organiser's previous drives and the announcement of novel, larger giveaways have prompted curiosity about the scale and funding of such events. As with all public distributions, readers are reminded to exercise caution: verify the location and timing from reliable notices on the day of the event before making plans to attend.
Further updates may emerge from the organiser or the concerned petrol pumps on operational details such as coupon count, distribution method and any documentation required to redeem the vouchers.
