Indian Social Media Influencer Arrested in Turkey for Live-Streaming Harassment of Tour Guide
A disturbing incident has surfaced in which an Indian social media influencer, identified as Malik Vinashbakler, was arrested by Turkish authorities for allegedly harassing and threatening to sexually assault a Turkish tour guide during a live stream. The influencer had hired multiple local women as tour guides during his trip to Turkey and broadcasted his interactions with them on social media platforms, including explicit and suggestive content. In one of the videos, Malik can be seen discussing with his audience in Hindi whether he should livestream himself harassing the tour guide, and later claims that he plans to get the guide drunk and sexually assault her that night.
1 June 2025
These graphic and disturbing comments sparked outrage among Turkish citizens, who reported the incident to the authorities, leading to Malik's arrest. The incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about sexism, rape culture, and online harassment. As reported by Turkish media, including the Turkish World Report, Malik's videos showed him making suggestive comments to his tour guide, asking his audience if he should harass her, and even inquiring if he should touch her inappropriately. The videos, which were widely shared on social media, demonstrate a blatant disregard for the dignity and safety of the women involved.
The Indian government and relevant authorities are facing mounting pressure to launch a thorough investigation into the matter and take concrete measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The incident has sparked a heated debate on the need for stricter regulations on social media and the pervasive issue of sexism. Many have taken to social media to condemn Malik's behavior, with some noting that his actions are reflective of a larger cultural problem in India, where sexism and harassment are often tolerated or even encouraged. The Turkish authorities' swift response to the incident has been praised, demonstrating their commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of individuals, particularly women, from harassment and exploitation.
The international community has also taken notice of the incident, with many condemning Malik's behavior as unacceptable. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting local laws and cultural norms, especially when interacting with people from different backgrounds. Furthermore, this incident has raised important questions about the cultural and societal attitudes that perpetuate sexism and misogyny, both in India and beyond. It highlights the need for greater awareness and education on issues of consent, respect, and equality, and for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of social media on our societies and cultures.
Malik's accounts and video content were subsequently taken down and banned from multiple platforms, and the incident has sparked a renewed focus on the need for greater accountability on social media platforms, particularly when it comes to instances of harassment and misogyny. As the popularity of live streaming and social media continues to grow, it is essential that platforms take proactive steps to identify and address such behavior, and that individuals who engage in such conduct are held accountable for their actions. The repercussions of Malik's actions extend far beyond the harm caused to the Turkish guide, as they have also tarnished India's international reputation, with many commenting on the country's poor track record on issues of sexism and harassment.
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