YouTuber Akshay Vashisht Arrested for ‘Haunted Airport’ Video Claiming Goa’s Mopa Airport Is Haunted

YouTuber and content creator Akshay Vashisht has been arrested by Goa Police in Delhi after posting a video asserting that Goa’s new Mopa Airport is haunted. Authorities say the video contains false and superstitious claims that mislead the public and could damage the reputation of a government infrastructure project. The case raises troubling questions about freedom of expression online, accountability, and how misinformation spreads in the digital age.

What Did Vashisht Claim?

Akshay Vashisht runs a Facebook channel called Real Talk Clips (and a presence on social media where he posts “paranormal content”). In his video titled “Goa ka haunted airport,” he claimed that the Mopa Airport in Goa is haunted. According to reports, he used stories or visuals implying paranormal activity at or around the newly constructed airport, without any credible evidence.

The video gained traction fast, prompting public concern and criticism. The authorities found the content to be misleading and accepted it could cause anxiety, damage the reputation of the airport, and possibly hinder public trust in infrastructure projects.

Authorities Move In

• Goa Police dispatched a team to Delhi to arrest Vashisht after issuing notices. The action was triggered because of the video’s impact and the seriousness with which officials considered the allegations.

• The charge is spreading false information and superstitious claims about a public facility—actions which, under Indian law, are subject to legal action. Public safety, community distress, and reputational harm are seen as serious implications.

Public Reaction & Online Debate

As soon as reports of the arrest came out, the internet lit up:

• Supporters of the arrest argue misinformation has consequences. When claims about haunted infrastructure spread unchecked, they can disrupt tourism, scare travelers, insert baseless fear, and harm the public perception of investments and development.

• Critics say this incident might be a troubling example of over-reach: is arresting someone for publishing unverified claims about supernatural stuff the correct approach? Some see it as chilling to free speech, even if the content is questionable. They argue the proper route should be fact checks, takedown notices, or warnings—not always arrests.

• Neutral observers are more cautious: they point out that while Vashisht may deserve scrutiny, the effectiveness and fairness of Delhi/Goa’s law enforcement and courts in such matters will be under spotlight. What threshold of “false claim” triggers criminal liability? Where is the line between harmless superstition and actionable misinformation?

Broader Implications: Misinformation, Responsibility & Digital Ethics

This case is not just about one video—it reflects larger, urgent issues:

1. Misinformation vs Freedom of Speech: Social media allows fast spread of unverified claims. But at what point does expression become harmful enough to be policed?

2. Reputation of Public Infrastructure: Public confidence in airports, transport, and other state-projects depends on trust. False allegations of haunting or supernatural happenings may undermine that trust—especially for recently opened or under-utilized facilities.

3. Responsibility of Content Creators: Online creators often push sensational material for views. The Vashisht case may serve as a warning: sensationalism can invite legal consequences if claims are false and harmful.

4. Law and Social Media: This highlights how Indian law is grappling with regulating online false claims—superstition, defamation, misinformation—while balancing constitutional protections for expression.

What We Still Don’t Know

• Whether Akshay Vashisht had any credible evidence for his “haunted” claims—anything like affidavits, witness statements, investigations. So far, authorities consider the video false and superstitious.

• If bail has been granted, or what legal defense he intends to mount regarding intention vs exaggeration. Some reports suggest bail has been discussed citing procedural issues with police handling.

• Whether the platform(s) on which the video was hosted have taken it down, or if there’s been any role by social media moderation.