by Suresh Pd Nikhar
Bodh Gaya: In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the sacred grounds of Bodh Gaya, a violent clash erupted between rival groups of foreign YouTubers, leaving a Vietnamese content creator critically injured after being stabbed during a late-night altercation.
The victim, identified as Yugen Van Dou, was attacked near the Kalachakra ground on Wednesday night. He was rushed to the Community Health Center in Bodh Gaya, where he remains under medical care.
According to sources, the attack stemmed from ongoing disputes among Vietnamese YouTubers over controversial monk Main Shyo, whose followers and critics often spar on social media. What began as a verbal disagreement between two groups near the Children’s Park quickly spiraled into a physical confrontation, escalating into a knife attack that shocked bystanders and locals alike.
Police from the Bodh Gaya police station arrived at the scene promptly and have launched an investigation. Speaking to Morning India, City SP Ramanand Kumar Kaushal condemned the violence and announced a complete ban on unauthorized video-making by both local and foreign YouTubers, citing security and privacy concerns at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Such acts will not be tolerated. All video shooting without permission—by any YouTuber, Indian or foreign—will be strictly prohibited,” he stated.
Initial allegations point towards a faction of YouTubers believed to be supporters of monk Main Shyo, who has become a divisive figure among the Vietnamese online community. While some hail him as a spiritual leader, others accuse him of spreading misleading propaganda. This ideological rift is reportedly the root cause of the ongoing tensions.
Locals have also voiced growing frustration over the unregulated presence of foreign vloggers. Residents argue that daily video shoots at religious and public spots are not only monetized for foreign audiences but also risk compromising the sanctity and security of Bodh Gaya, known globally as the land of peace and enlightenment.
“This land, blessed by Buddha’s message of non-violence, cannot be allowed to become a battleground for viral content,” said a concerned local.
Police station officer Manoj Kumar Singh assured the public that strict action will follow based on formal complaints, and no one involved in the incident will be spared.
