Popular travel vlogger and YouTuber Bayya Sunny Yadav was taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 29 at Chennai International Airport, sending shockwaves across Telugu-speaking states and among his widespread online fan base.
Sunny Yadav, who rose to fame over the past four years through his solo motorcycle journeys across India and abroad, has amassed millions of followers on YouTube. His recent travel content — including a highly publicized trip to Pakistan — had garnered considerable attention. However, his sudden arrest by the NIA has placed him at the center of a growing national security probe.
As per reports, Yadav is being questioned in connection with his Pakistan trip, amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions and reports of Indian YouTubers allegedly sharing sensitive information across the border. This move follows a larger crackdown under the NIA’s Operation Sindoor, which recently led to the arrest of 11 individuals, including Jyothi Malhotra andothers across Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan on suspicion of espionage.
A case was already registered against Bayya Sunny Yadav for promoting betting apps. On March 5, a case was registered against him at the Nuthankal Police Station in Suryapet district. The police also issued a lookout circular. Search operations were launched to trace him. However, at that time, he was abroad.
In addition to national security concerns, Yadav is also facing legal trouble for allegedly promoting illegal betting applications on his YouTube channel. Multiple FIRs have been registered against him in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for his involvement in endorsing such apps, which are under investigation for defrauding users and operating without regulatory approvals.
The NIA has not yet released an official statement detailing the charges against Yadav, but reports confirm that his digital devices have been seized for forensic analysis. He is currently being interrogated to ascertain the purpose and activities surrounding his Pakistan visit.
