In a bizarre turn of events, a young YouTuber named Vikas Gowda found himself in hot water after claiming to have spent an entire day at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India. His video, which went viral, alleged that he had hoodwinked airport security and roamed freely within the premises. However, the truth behind his escapade was far from what he portrayed.
The Illusion of a Day at the Airport
On April 7, Vikas Gowda entered the bustling Kempegowda airport armed with a valid Air India flight ticket bound for Chennai. Instead of boarding the plane, he embarked on an unconventional adventure. Armed with his mobile phone, he recorded videos throughout the airport without raising suspicion. His alleged feat? Spending more than 24 hours inside the airport, evading security checks and blending seamlessly into the bustling terminal.
The Viral Video and Consequences
Vikas uploaded his audacious video to his YouTube channel on April 12. In it, he claimed to have explored various corners of the airport, all while remaining undetected. The video quickly gained traction, capturing the attention of viewers worldwide. However, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, wasn’t amused. They filed a complaint, alleging the spread of misinformation. The CISF filed a case against him under Sections 505 (Statements conducing to public mischief) and 448 (house trespass) of the Indian Penal Code.
An investigation revealed that Vikas’s claims were far from accurate. Yes, he had entered the airport and cleared security checks at Terminal 2. But instead of boarding his flight, he wandered around the airport premises for nearly six hours. His supposed stealth was debunked when security personnel noticed his absence from the boarding area. Vikas had missed his flight, but his ticket and boarding pass allowed him to roam freely without suspicion.
He was arrested, subsequently released on bail, and forced to delete the misleading video from his YouTube channel. His subscriber count of 113,000 witnessed the rise and fall of his ill-fated airport escapade.