Goa’s newest pride, the Manohar International Airport in Mopa, has been making headlines since it opened its doors in 2023. But this time, it’s not about new flight connections or travel upgrades, it’s about a YouTuber who claimed the airport was “haunted.” And now, he has been arrested for it.
Delhi YouTuber Arrested For Calling Goa’s New Mopa Airport ‘Haunted’
The man in question is Akshay Vashisht, a Delhi-based YouTuber who runs two channels: Akshay Vashisht Horror and Akshay Vashisht Horror Show. His content usually revolves around ghost stories, paranormal experiences, and spooky case studies. Recently, he uploaded a video titled “Goa ka Haunted Airport”, Hindustan Times reported. His video suggested that Goa’s second airport was surrounded by supernatural activity.
But the Goa Police didn’t find it entertaining. Instead, they called it false, misleading, and superstitious information. In their opinion, it is the kind of content that could create fear among travellers and locals. The state’s Social Media Monitoring Cell filed an FIR on September 15, under provisions of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Just two days later, on September 17, the police tracked Vashisht down in Delhi’s Dwarka area, brought him back to Goa, and placed him under arrest.
According to the Hindustan Times, Rahul Gupta, Superintendent of Police (Crime), said, “The accused has been arrested and brought to Mopa Airport Police Station for further investigation. One mobile, one laptop, and one camera were seized from him.”
Airport Safe And Functional 24/7, Say Officials
This incident might sound bizarre, but it isn’t the first time someone has suggested that Goa’s Mopa Airport might be haunted. As per the Hindustan Times reports, in 2024, Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai even mentioned in the state assembly that locals avoided working at the airport after 10:30 pm, fuelling the “ghost story” rumours further. Still, officials have clarified that the airport is fully operational 24/7, with flights landing and taking off throughout the day and night, and there’s no truth to any haunted tales.
While Vashisht may have thought his spooky video would get him more views, it has instead got him into serious legal trouble. The case shows how spreading misleading information online can have major consequences.
For travellers, it’s a reminder that Mopa Airport is safe, modern, and very much alive with round-the-clock activity.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Arunpnair 787 and Akshay Vashisht/YouTube
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