A shocking incident of harassment involving a Dutch YouTuber has recently come to light in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The incident, captured on video, has since gone viral on various social media platforms, sparking outrage and raising concerns about the safety of international creators in India. The YouTuber, identified as Pedro Mota, was allegedly harassed while recording a vlog on the streets of Bengaluru’s Chickpet area.
The accused, Nawab Hayat Sharif, an auto driver and a second-hand seller of shirts and pants, was arrested by the Karnataka police following a complaint filed against him. The police have registered a case under Section 92 of the Karnataka Police Act, treating it as a suo motu case.
In the video that has been widely circulated, Mota can be seen being harassed by a man who appears to be a shopkeeper. As Mota greets the man, saying “Namaste, sir,” the shopkeeper forcefully grabs his hand and starts shouting, “Ye kya hai…” (What is this…). The YouTuber later shared the video on his YouTube channel, describing the incident as an attack that occurred at the Thieves Market in Bangalore.
The incident occurred nearly two months ago but gained attention on June 11 when the video was shared online. Since then, the video has received widespread criticism from social media users, who have expressed their concerns about the safety and well-being of international creators in India.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. It is not the first time that international YouTubers and content creators have reported incidents of assault and harassment while filming in India. In April 2023, a Korean blogger faced a similar situation when she was followed and harassed by a man in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur while recording a video. The man was subsequently arrested after a complaint was filed. In December 2022, two men harassed a South Korean woman in Mumbai while she was live-streaming, dragging her by the hand against her will.
These incidents highlight the need for better safety measures and awareness to protect international creators and ensure their positive experiences in India. It is essential to create an environment where all content creators, regardless of their nationality, can feel safe and comfortable while exploring and sharing the country’s diverse beauty.
As the video of Pedro Mota’s harassment continues to circulate, it is hoped that this incident will serve as a wake-up call, prompting authorities to take appropriate actions and enforce stricter measures to ensure the safety and security of all individuals, including international creators, in India. The online community stands united in condemning such acts and advocates for a more inclusive and respectful environment that fosters creativity and cultural exchange.
