Tata Harrier Incident: Viral Video, Tragic Death, and The Truth Behind 'Summon Mode' Claims

A recent incident involving a Tata Harrier has sent shockwaves across social media and news outlets, following the tragic death of a woman in Tamil Nadu. A viral CCTV footage purportedly showed the SUV moving seemingly on its own, leading to widespread speculation about a 'summon mode' feature gone wrong.

However, the narrative took a sharp turn as police investigations and an official statement from Tata Motors shed light on the actual events.

The incident, which occurred in Tiruvannamalai district, involved a 68-year-old woman identified as Vasantha, who was reportedly crushed by a Tata Harrier parked in front of her home.

The chilling CCTV footage, widely circulated, depicted the vehicle slowly rolling forward, pinning her against a wall. This visual evidence, combined with the presence of advanced features in modern vehicles, fueled rapid speculation online that the car's 'summon mode' or a similar autonomous parking feature had malfunctioned, leading to the tragedy.

Given that Tata Motors offers an EV version of the Harrier, many initially assumed the incident involved an electric vehicle with such advanced capabilities.

The claims of a 'summon mode' being responsible for Vasantha's death quickly gained traction, stirring considerable debate and concern among prospective car buyers and technology enthusiasts.

The idea of a vehicle independently moving and causing harm resonated deeply, prompting calls for greater scrutiny of autonomous driving features and vehicle safety protocols.

However, the truth, as often happens, proved more grounded. Local police, investigating the incident, found no evidence to support the 'summon mode' theory.

Instead, their preliminary findings indicated that the car's handbrake might not have been properly engaged, or a mechanical failure could have led to the vehicle rolling down a slight incline. This detail immediately shifted the focus from advanced technology malfunctions to more conventional explanations.

Adding a definitive clarification, Tata Motors issued an official statement addressing the viral claims.

The automaker categorically denied the presence of a 'summon mode' feature in the Tata Harrier, stating that such technology is not available in any of its current production models. Furthermore, Tata Motors clarified that the vehicle involved in the tragic incident was an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) variant of the Harrier, not an Electric Vehicle (EV).

This crucial distinction debunked the widespread assumption that an EV's autonomous features were at fault.

The company expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and confirmed that it is fully cooperating with the authorities in their ongoing investigation. Tata Motors reiterated its commitment to safety and urged the public to rely on verified information rather than unconfirmed viral content.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread online, especially concerning technology and tragic events, and highlights the importance of official investigations and corporate responses in establishing the facts.