NIA arrests Telugu YouTuber Bayya Sunny Yadav at Chennai Airport over suspected espionage for Pakistan

Chennai/Suryapet: In a significant development amid growing concerns over national security, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday night arrested Telugu YouTuber and travel vlogger Bayya Sunny Yadav at Chennai International Airport.

The arrest is tied to his recent motorcycle trip to Pakistan, which authorities suspect may have involved espionage-related activities. Yadav, a content creator from Suryapet, Telangana, had documented his Pakistan visit on his YouTube channel, drawing widespread attention.

However, officials say the trip raised red flags due to its timing and potential links to sensitive cross-border information sharing. His devices have been seized and are currently being examined for digital evidence that could indicate espionage.

11 arrests so far

The arrest comes under the NIA’s wider probe, aimed at dismantling espionage networks operating within India. As part of the operation, 11 individuals have already been arrested across states, including Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Yadav also arrested for promoting illegal betting apps

In addition to the national security angle, Yadav is also under investigation for his alleged involvement in promoting illegal betting apps. Multiple FIRs have been filed against him in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. One such case, registered at Nuthankal Police Station in Suryapet on March 5, led authorities to issue a lookout circular against him while he was overseas.

Yadav’s arrest underscores the increasing scrutiny of digital influencers who cross international borders and engage in activities that may compromise national interests. The NIA has yet to release formal charges, and investigations remain ongoing.

My son is a patriot, not a terrorist, says YouTuber Sunny Yadav’s father

Bayya Ravinder, father of Telugu YouTuber and travel vlogger Bayya Sunny Yadav, who was arrested by the NIA at Chennai International Airport on Thursday night, has spoken out in defence of his son, denying any links to terrorism.

Speaking to vernacular media, Sunny Yadav’s father, Bayya Ravinder, confirmed his son’s detention and revealed that Central Special Branch officials had recently visited their residence, reviewed documents, and questioned the family regarding his activities. He said that on May 29, unidentified individuals also took Sunny’s friend Cherry into custody from their home.

Ravinder strongly refuted allegations of espionage or terrorism against his son, stating, “Sunny has no connection with terrorists. He is a true patriot who went to Pakistan purely as a biker and travel vlogger.” He added that his son returned from Pakistan even before the Pahalgam incident, which has been cited as a point of concern in national security discussions.

Expressing frustration over the lack of transparency, Ravinder said, “We want to know why and by whom my son has been taken. If needed, I am ready to cooperate fully with authorities. But they must inform us of his whereabouts. If not, we will take the legal route.”

Sunny Yadav’s recent motorcycle tour of Pakistan, extensively documented on his YouTube channel, attracted scrutiny amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. His arrest is part of the NIA’s ongoing operation, which targets suspected espionage networks. Authorities have seized Yadav’s electronic devices for forensic analysis to investigate the purpose and scope of his cross-border travel.

The family continues to maintain that Sunny’s intentions were purely personal and related to content creation. The NIA has yet to release a detailed statement on the arrest, and investigations are ongoing.