NEW DELHI: A video has gone viral on social media showing a young girl in Maharashtra, crying inconsolably on a road divider after allegedly being slapped by an auto-rickshaw driver.The incident, now stirring outrage and sympathy online, highlights the harsh realities faced by children on the streets.According to the video, shared by content creator ‘Ride With Shikhar’ on Instagram, the girl was reportedly hit by the driver while chasing his auto, attempting to sell a rose to the passenger inside.The footage shows the child sitting alone on the divider, sobbing uncontrollably, as the auto drives off. While passing by, Shikhar noticed her distress, stopped his vehicle, and approached to check what had happened.Though the girl remained silent and continued to weep, the video’s caption provided context: “An auto driver slapped a little girl because she was running after his auto, trying to sell roses to the passenger inside.”The video then explains how Shikhar tried to console her. He gently asked if she was okay and offered to buy a rose from her, but the visibly shaken child refused to speak or accept money.The caption accompanying the video struck a chord with many viewers: “She didn’t cry because she didn’t get the money, she cried because the world failed her. An auto driver slapped her for chasing after his auto to sell a rose. I stopped, listened, and tried to comfort her. She refused money, not out of pride, but pain. Let’s be better humans. Be the reason someone believes kindness still exists.”The video has sparked widespread emotional responses online, with viewers calling for compassion and dignity for children in vulnerable situations.One user wrote,” Money didn’t make her cry, disrespect did.”Another user wrote, ” People are inhumane!! Breaks my heart.”“If I at least get the auto number. I’ll definitely give him a return gift that his generation will remember forever. It’s hunting me, ” another user commented.
