The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Bayya Sunny Yadav, a popular YouTuber from Telangana’s Suryapet, on Thursday, May 29, for reportedly travelling to Pakistan. The arrest was made at Chennai airport after his recent motorcycle trip to the neighboring country raised concerns over potential national security breaches.
A Motorcycle Journey Turns Into a National Security Concern
Two months ago, Sunny Yadav documented his motorcycle trip to Pakistan on his YouTube channel, where he enjoys a considerable following. While his adventure may have appeared innocent to some viewers, authorities believe the trip warranted closer scrutiny given the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
NIA Probes for Espionage and Sensitive Information Sharing
The NIA is now investigating whether Sunny Yadav engaged in any suspicious activities or shared sensitive information with unauthorized parties during his visit. As part of their probe, the agency has seized Yadav’s digital devices for forensic analysis to determine the nature and intent of his trip. The investigation is part of the NIA’s ongoing Operation Sindoor crackdown on alleged espionage activities targeting India.
Previous Controversies: Illegal Betting Promotions
Sunny Yadav is no stranger to controversy. Prior to his Pakistan trip, he was allegedly involved in promoting illegal betting applications on his YouTube channel, a matter that attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Multiple FIRs and a Lookout Circular
Several FIRs were filed against Sunny Yadav, including one registered on March 5, 2025, at the Nuthankal Police Station in Suryapet. These cases led authorities to issue a lookout circular to trace him while he was abroad. His recent travel abroad, coupled with these legal entanglements, further complicated the situation.
Father’s Plea to the High Court
Sunny’s father, Ravinder Yadav, expressed his concern about his son’s arrest and vowed to approach the Telangana High Court seeking its intervention. Speaking to the Times of India, Ravinder Yadav said, “I was supposed to file a petition on Friday but couldn’t. I will move the court on Saturday. Till now, I have no idea which police agency has picked up my son.”
A Cautionary Tale for Content Creators
This arrest serves as a reminder of the risks associated with international travel by content creators, especially when visiting sensitive regions. It also highlights the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in content creation to avoid legal trouble.