Gurugram-based social media influencer Balwant Kataria, popularly known as Bobby Kataria, was arrested on Monday, May 27, on charges of human trafficking, fraud, and other offences. Kataria, aged 38, allegedly deceived two residents of Uttar Pradesh with false promises of employment abroad, leading to their exploitation in an illegal call centre in Laos.
Bobby Kataria Arrested on Human Trafficking Charges
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Karan Goel disclosed that Kataria charged ₹4 lakh each from Arun Kumar and Manish Tomar, guaranteeing them lucrative job permits for the UAE and Singapore. However, instead of fulfilling his promises, Kataria sent them to Laos, where their passports were confiscated, and they were coerced into working at an illegal call centre. Kumar and Tomar managed to escape after two days and sought refuge at the Indian embassy in Vientiane, which facilitated their return to India.
Who is Bobby Kataria?
- Influencer Profile: Bobby Kataria has garnered over three lakh followers on Instagram, where he is well known for his fitness and nutrition tips. As a competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter, Kataria has participated in various state and national-level events.
- Controversial Persona: Kataria is notorious for his controversial content, often glorifying gun and gang violence. This notoriety extends beyond social media to several legal encounters.
- Consultancy Business: In February 2023, Kataria started a consultancy business to provide employment opportunities abroad. Through this business, he reportedly perpetrated the fraud that led to his recent arrest.
Previous Legal Issues
Kataria’s legal troubles are not new. In September 2022, he was detained by Delhi Police for smoking on an aeroplane. Before this, a Dehradun court issued a non-bailable warrant against him in August 2022 for drinking in public and obstructing traffic, following a viral video of the incident. Additionally, in the same month, he was arrested by Gurugram police for assaulting a woman and making derogatory comments about her on social media. This case is still pending in court.
Community Reaction
The arrest of Bobby Kataria has sparked significant discussion on social media and in the local community. Many are shocked by the serious nature of the allegations, given his large following and previously perceived image as a fitness enthusiast and influencer.
Conclusion
Bobby Kataria’s arrest on charges of human trafficking marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal battles and controversies surrounding the influencer. As investigations proceed, authorities aim to unravel the extent of his activities and provide justice to the victims involved.
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