Social Media Influencer Arrested For Human Trafficking: 5 Things To Know

Balwant Kataria, better known as Bobby Kataria, a 38-year-old social media influencer, was arrested on Monday, May 27, on charges of human trafficking, fraud, and other offences. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), Karan Goel, stated that Kataria deceived two residents of Uttar Pradesh, Arun Kumar and Manish Tomar, by promising them job permits for the UAE and Singapore in exchange for ₹4 lakh each. Instead, the men were taken to Laos and forced to work in an illegal call centre, where their passports were confiscated.

Kataria, a social media personality with a significant following, has a history of legal issues, according to the police. He is well-known for his controversial content and has been involved in multiple legal incidents in the past.

Social Media Influencer Arrested for Human Trafficking: 5 Things To Know 

1. Bobby Kataria, hailing from Gurugram, has over three lakh followers on Instagram. He presents himself as a competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter at both state and all-time event levels, sharing fitness and nutrition tips on his social media platforms.
2. However, Kataria's influence on social media has not been without controversy. His content often promotes gun and gang violence, pushes boundaries, leading to multiple legal issues. Despite his frequent run-ins with the law, Kataria maintained a significant online presence, drawing both followers and criticism.
3. Kataria’s brushes with the law are numerous. In September 2022, he was caught smoking on an aeroplane by Delhi Police. In August of the same year, a Dehradun court issued a non-bailable warrant against him after he posted a video of himself drinking in public and blocking a road. Additionally, in August 2022, he was arrested by Gurugram police for assaulting a woman and spreading derogatory remarks about her on social media. This case is still pending in court.
4. Kataria began a consulting business in February 2023, offering employment opportunities abroad. Arun Kumar and Manish Tomar, seeking better job prospects, paid Kataria ₹4 lakh each, believing they would secure employment in the UAE and Singapore. However, they were taken to Laos and coerced into working in an illegal call centre. Their passports were seized, making it impossible for them to leave.
5. After enduring two days of forced labour, Kumar and Tomar managed to escape and reach the Indian embassy in Vientiane. The embassy assisted them in returning to India, where they reported the incident to the authorities, leading to Kataria’s arrest.