Bihar, Aug.02,2025: Gaya police have arrested four Vietnamese YouTubers accused of a murderous assault on a fellow countryman
Vietnamese YouTubers Bihar clash: The Incident Unfolds
Vietnamese YouTubers Bihar clash refers to escalating violence among foreign bloggers from Vietnam who gathered in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Over the past three months, local police have registered three FIRs related to violent confrontations among Vietnamese YouTube content creators, turning Bodh Gaya into an unexpected flashpoint.
Police Action: Arrests & FIRs Filed
Gaya police have arrested four Vietnamese YouTubers accused of a murderous assault on a fellow countryman. The victim, Le Anh Tuan, filed the complaint alleging that attacker Bvi Van Sang and associates assaulted him unprovoked, causing head injuries and a fractured hand.
These arrests followed incidents registering in three separate FIRs at Bodh Gaya police station involving rival content creator groups clashing violently.
Why Are They in Bodh Gaya
A religious leader from Vietnam, known as Le Anh Tu, visited Bodh Gaya in April. After his arrival, close to 30 Vietnamese YouTubers came to Bihar, trailing him. Police say they formed two factions: one group revered Tu as a spiritual guide, the other branded him a fake monk.
Most of these creators are filming religious or pilgrimage content in and around the Buddhist heritage sites of Bodh Gaya.
Monk Allegiance Divide
The ideological split centers around Le Anh Tu:
- One faction calls him Master or spiritual teacher.
- The other accuses him of being a fraudulent preacher.
This ideological confrontation escalated online before spilling into physical violence among groups filming near major pilgrimage spots.
Knife Attack and Injury Details
The most serious clash involved a stabbing incident near the Kalachakra ground, where YouTuber Yugen Van Dou was seriously injured. He sustained a stab wound and was hospitalized at Bodh Gaya Community Health Centre.
This violent escalation has sparked debate about digital creators’ conduct and Bodh Gaya’s safety.
Impact on Bodh Gaya’s Heritage & Tourism
Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is revered for its Buddhist legacy and serene ambiance. Local residents expressed concern that intense filming and digital disputes among foreign YouTubers are eroding the town’s sanctity and disturbing visitors’ peace.
Residents worry these incidents tarnish Bodh Gaya’s reputation as a site of meditation and spiritual retreat.
Authorities’ Response & Proposed Measures
Police stated they will thoroughly investigate every incident:
“This incident will be investigated thoroughly … Those responsible will not be spared,” said Bodh Gaya SHO Manoj Kumar Singh.
Authorities are also exploring tighter regulations for foreign nationals operating commercial or religious content creation in sensitive heritage zones.
Broader Implications for Foreign Content Creators
This incident raises broader questions:
- How should local authorities monitor or regulate foreign digital creators filming in heritage and pilgrimage areas?
- Can ideological or sectarian disputes among international groups morph into local public safety issues?
- Does content creation conflict with local norms and place commercialization over sanctity?
Expert Opinions & External Reports
Media analysis and expert commentary note the underlying drivers:
- A rift in online ideologies morphing into real-world violence.
- Clashes rooted in power dynamics and symbolic dominance among YouTubers.
- A warning for authorities to balance digital openness with local cultural preservation.
Regulation and Oversight
Key areas now under consideration:
- Mart through issuance of filming permits and monitoring foreign groups.
- Introducing codes of conduct for content creators in religious zones.
- Greater collaboration between tourist authorities and digital platforms to mitigate conflicts.
The Vietnamese YouTubers Bihar clash is a cautionary saga of ideological conflict and online rivalry spilling into violent confrontation in a sacred setting. As arrests, injuries, and public unrest mount, authorities are stepping up to manage foreign digital creators in Bodh Gaya. This incident underscores the complex challenges at the intersection of religion, content creation, tourism, and local governance.
