A unique “iPhone Langar” initiative in Chandigarh took a new turn on Tuesday, with businessman Rakesh Trehan, popularly known as Raja D King, distributing 10 iPhone 17 handsets from a private residence in Sector 10.
Trehan had earlier announced plans to distribute iPhones free of cost as part of his unusual “langar” initiative. However, the proposed public gathering on Chandigarh roads did not take place after the administration raised concerns about crowd management and safety.
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Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav had said that a large gathering could create difficulties for authorities in managing crowds and maintaining safety. As a result, the distribution was shifted to a private bungalow in Sector 10.
The first round of the giveaway involved 10 beneficiaries. According to the report, Trehan selected recipients in an unusual manner by opening his WhatsApp messages and randomly scrolling through them before announcing the names of those who would receive the phones.
The selected beneficiaries were then handed iPhone 17 handsets during the private distribution event.
The initiative has attracted attention because of Trehan’s earlier distribution drives in Chandigarh. He has previously organised “langar” initiatives in which money and petrol were distributed to people.
Trehan has indicated that his latest initiative will continue and has set an ambitious target of distributing around 2,000 iPhones.
The first distribution, however, was considerably smaller than that target, with only 10 iPhone 17 handsets handed out in the initial round.
The decision to shift the giveaway away from public roads allowed the distribution to take place without creating a large gathering in a public area. The administration’s concerns were particularly linked to the possibility of crowd-related management and safety issues.
The initiative has also generated interest on social media, with videos of the iPhone distribution circulating online. The unusual nature of giving away expensive smartphones through a “langar” format has drawn attention beyond Chandigarh.
Trehan has suggested that the 10-phone distribution is only the beginning, with more beneficiaries potentially receiving iPhones in the coming days. However, the report does not provide details about the schedule or selection process for future rounds.
iPhone langar at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initiative | iPhone Langar |
| Organiser | Rakesh Trehan, popularly known as Raja D King |
| Location | Sector 10, Chandigarh |
| First-round distribution | 10 iPhone 17 handsets |
| Selection method | Beneficiaries selected from WhatsApp messages |
| Earlier initiatives | Distribution of money and petrol |
| Announced target | Around 2,000 iPhones |
| Public gathering | Shifted from roads to a private residence |
| Reason for shift | Crowd-management and safety concerns |
| Date of first reported distribution | September 22, 2026 |
The initiative has therefore moved forward despite the restrictions on holding a large public gathering. For now, 10 people have received the phones, while Trehan has indicated that further distributions could follow.
