In India’s Goa state, a YouTuber was taken into custody after posting a video claiming Manohar International Airport is “haunted.” Authorities deemed the allegations baseless and malicious.
In the tourist state of Goa, India, YouTuber Akshay Vashisht, who has over 570,000 subscribers, was detained by police after sharing content suggesting that the newly opened Manohar International Airport is “haunted.”
Vashisht, whose channel focuses on horror stories and paranormal events, was apprehended in Delhi on Wednesday and taken to Mopa Airport Police Station.
“Evil Haunted Goa Airport” Video Sparks Controversy
According to the police complaint, the video titled “Evil Haunted Goa Airport” claimed that the airport was built on an old cremation ground. It also alleged that some airline staff reported paranormal activities, while pilots refused night flights after allegedly seeing a mysterious woman in a red sari on the runway.
Authorities: “Claims Are Baseless”
Goa police described the statements as “baseless, malicious, and rooted in superstition.” It was also alleged that Vashisht included fabricated witness accounts from his followers to make his claims appear credible.
The police team that traveled from Mopa to Delhi seized Vashisht’s phone, computer, and camera. He is being investigated under Indian Penal Code provisions for “causing public harm” and “common intention to commit an offense.” Authorities also considered investigating the page administrator who shared the video on Facebook.
Airport Reputation Under Protection
Manohar International Airport, which cost £283 million, opened in December 2022 and began operations a year later. As Goa’s second airport, it aims to handle 12 million passengers annually within five years. Officials stated that legal action is being taken against rumours that could damage the airport’s international reputation.
Social Media Tension in Goa
This is not the first social media crisis for Goa’s administration. Previously, some influencers claimed that tourist numbers declined due to price increases on the state’s beaches. In July, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte dismissed these claims, stating that “so-called influencers motivated by money are trying to damage the state’s image.”
