Viral Mystery Solved: Why a ‘Shocked Woman’ Poster Keeps Appearing at Bengaluru Construction Sites

An ordinary commute turned into an internet mystery for a Maharashtrian woman living in Bengaluru, after she repeatedly noticed the same striking poster hanging from construction sites across the city and nearby parts of Karnataka.

X user @unitechy, who frequently travels across the state, observed a recurring image of a saree-clad woman with wide, kohl-lined eyes and a visibly shocked expression displayed on half-built buildings. The poster appeared so consistently that it piqued her curiosity. After failing to identify the woman using Google Lens, she decided to seek answers online.

On January 5, 2026, she posted about the mystery on X (formerly Twitter), asking why the same woman’s image was being used at construction sites across Karnataka. The post quickly went viral, amassing over 3.5 million views and triggering widespread debate and speculation.

Several users offered cultural explanations, suggesting the image functions as a “nazar battu” or “dristi gombe”—a traditional symbol used to ward off the evil eye and protect properties from negative energy. Such charms are commonly seen at construction sites, though they typically feature exaggerated or grotesque faces rather than realistic human expressions. Some users speculated that the image represents a modern, meme-inspired evolution of this age-old practice.

The mystery took a new turn when an X user shared a screenshot from an AI chatbot, which identified the woman as Niharika Rao, a Karnataka-based YouTuber. According to the chatbot, the image originated from a 2023 viral video clip in which her shocked reaction became a popular meme. Over time, locals allegedly adopted the image humorously as a protective charm, blending superstition with internet culture.

While many commenters leaned into spiritual and cultural interpretations, others treated the phenomenon light-heartedly. One user joked that the image was a “demonic sigil” meant to scare off thieves. As more people began spotting the poster across Bengaluru markets and nearby towns, the image only gained further attention online.

What began as a routine observation during daily travel has now become a viral example of how traditional beliefs and digital meme culture are increasingly intersecting in urban India.

What do you think—superstition, meme culture, or both? Comment below.