Gayaji: A Vietnamese YouTuber was seriously injured after being stabbed during a violent altercation with fellow content creators in Bodh Gaya, Bihar — the latest flashpoint in growing tensions between rival online groups operating in the city.
The clash, which occurred late last night near the Kalachakra ground, involved two groups of Vietnamese nationals who are said to regularly produce and publish video content from the area. According to local police, the incident followed a heated dispute near the Children’s Park area that escalated into violence.
The injured YouTuber has been identified as Yugen Van Dou, who is currently undergoing treatment at the Bodh Gaya Community Health Centre. Police have launched an investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting the attack may be linked to factions supporting or opposing a controversial Vietnamese monk named Main Sheo.
“This incident will be investigated thoroughly and action will be taken based on a written complaint. Those responsible will not be spared,” said Manoj Kumar Singh, the officer in charge at Bodh Gaya police station.
Sources indicate that the conflict stems from deep ideological divides within the Vietnamese YouTube community in Bodh Gaya. While one faction regards Main Sheo as a spiritual guide, another denounces him as a propagandist. These disputes often spill over onto social media platforms, where each group accuses the other of misrepresentation and misinformation.
The violent confrontation has triggered concerns among local residents, who say that the constant filming by foreign content creators is not only infringing on the sanctity of Bodh Gaya — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — but could also compromise its security infrastructure.
“Videos are being shot everywhere, every day. These people are earning from it, but it comes at the cost of our peace and privacy,” said one resident. “Now with a stabbing incident, it is damaging the image of Bodh Gaya — the land of the Buddha, known for non-violence and serenity.”
This is not the first such incident involving foreign YouTubers in the area. A similar confrontation was reported on May 29, raising alarm over what appears to be a pattern of conflict rooted in digital content rivalries and sectarian affiliations. Authorities have called for stricter regulation and monitoring of foreign nationals engaging in commercial or religious content creation within the heritage site, warning that unchecked activity could further erode its cultural and spiritual reputation.
