A prominent YouTuber, Gulshan Sheikh, known for his channel ‘Gulzar Indian Hacker,’ was arrested by Uttar Pradesh police for creating hazardous videos on railway tracks. Sheikh’s channel, which has over 235,000 subscribers, featured him placing objects like stones, bicycles, and cylinders on railway tracks, posing a severe risk to passengers’ lives.
The arrest took place at Sheikh’s home in Khandrauli, Uttar Pradesh, following a complaint about his dangerous activities on the tracks. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla confirmed the arrest and referred to Sheikh as a “Rail Jihadi” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Poonawalla praised the swift actions of the Uttar Pradesh Police, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for addressing the threat posed by Sheikh’s stunts.
The Legal Hindu Defence filed the initial complaint, highlighting the significant risks associated with Sheikh’s content. His videos on YouTube and Instagram showcased various objects obstructing railway tracks, often capturing trains approaching these obstructions, creating a dangerous and alarming spectacle for viewers.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has charged Sheikh with trespassing, damaging railway property, and public mischief. Examination of Sheikh’s YouTube channel revealed a troubling pattern of risky behavior designed to attract attention. With over 243 videos and shorts, his channel has garnered 137 million views, despite occasional disclaimers urging viewers not to replicate his dangerous stunts.
This arrest comes in the wake of a tragic incident in June, where nine people, including two railway employees, died, and 50 others were injured after an express train collided with a goods train in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.
Furthermore, the arrest follows recent security concerns, including a bomb threat against 150 schools in Delhi-NCR, traced to an IP address in Budapest, Hungary. Delhi Police is coordinating with Hungarian authorities for further investigation.
The incident underscores the critical importance of responsible content creation, particularly when public safety is at risk. The swift action by authorities highlights their commitment to ensuring the safety of railway passengers and maintaining public order.