Hyderabad: Bayya Sunny Yadav, a popular Telugu YouTuber and motorcycle travel vlogger from Suryapet, was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) at Chennai International Airport late Thursday night. The arrest is linked to concerns over his recent motorcycle journey to Pakistan and potential espionage activities, according to official sources.
Yadav, known for his adventurous travel vlogs that have garnered over 4.75 million YouTube subscribers, documented his Pakistan trip earlier this year, which raised red flags among authorities. The NIA is probing whether Yadav engaged in any activities that could compromise national security, particularly given the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The agency is scrutinizing whether sensitive information was shared during his travels across cities like Lahore, as showcased in his vlogs.
The investigation is part of the NIA’s broader crackdown following Operation Sindoor, a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The operation has led to the arrest of 11 individuals across Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan for alleged espionage-related activities. Yadav’s digital devices, including his phone and laptop, have been confiscated for forensic analysis to uncover details about his interactions and the purpose of his Pakistan visit.
Yadav was already under scrutiny before this incident. On March 5, 2025, a case was filed against him at Nuthankal Police Station in Suryapet for allegedly promoting illegal online betting apps through his social media platforms. The promotions reportedly misled viewers, leading to financial losses and prompting multiple FIRs in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. A lookout circular was issued after he was found to be abroad, with suspicions that he crossed into Pakistan via the Wagah border.
The arrest has sparked discussions on X, with some users praising the NIA’s vigilance, while others speculate about the broader implications for travel vloggers visiting sensitive regions. One post on X noted, “All YouTubers who went to Pakistan should be investigated,” reflecting public concern over national security. The NIA has yet to release an official statement on the specific charges against Yadav, but officials indicate that further interrogations will focus on his travel itinerary, contacts, and financial transactions during his time abroad.
