Popular YouTuber and influencer Ali Aalyan Iqbal has been booked by Leh Police under Sections 125 and 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for performing dangerous superbike stunts in ecologically sensitive and restricted zones around Pangong Lake and the Nubra sand dunes in Ladakh.
The charges relate to endangering life and causing public nuisance. Iqbal posted videos and photos of his stunts on Instagram, showing him riding Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki Ninja superbikes recklessly in these fragile areas. Police have urged tourists and content creators to respect local laws to protect Ladakh’s delicate ecosystem amid growing environmental concerns and public outcry.
Reckless Superbiking in Ladakh’s Fragile Zones Draws Police Action
Ali Aalyan Iqbal, a popular content creator with over 2.7 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 500,000 Instagram followers, is known for his biking and bodybuilding videos. Recently, he posted several videos and images on Instagram showing him performing stunts on his Suzuki Hayabusa and Kawasaki Ninja superbikes in restricted and ecologically sensitive areas of Ladakh, including the Pangong Lake region and Nubra sand dunes.
In one video, Iqbal is seen riding shirtless through the sand dunes, where his bike gets stuck and kicks up large clouds of sand, potentially damaging the fragile ecosystem. The Leh Police swiftly responded by booking him under Sections 125 and 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
Section 125 pertains to acts endangering life or personal safety, while Section 292 deals with public nuisance. The police also issued a statement on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, warning visitors to respect local laws and protect Ladakh’s delicate environment.
Growing Enforcement Amid Environmental Sensitivities
The action against Iqbal reflects a broader crackdown by Ladakh authorities to safeguard the region’s unique and fragile ecosystem. Ladakh’s high-altitude desert and wetland areas, such as Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, are environmentally sensitive zones that have seen increasing tourist footfall in recent years.
Reckless activities like off-road biking and driving in restricted zones cause soil erosion, disturb wildlife habitats, and degrade the natural landscape. Earlier this year, several tourists faced fines and warnings for similar violations. Environmentalists and local communities have raised concerns over the long-term damage caused by such behaviour, urging stricter enforcement.
Authorities have also highlighted the responsibility of social media influencers, who wield significant influence over their followers, to model respectful and eco-conscious behaviour. The police continue to appeal to tourists and content creators to adhere strictly to guidelines to preserve Ladakh’s pristine environment for future generations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian believes that while the spirit of adventure and content creation is commendable, it should never come at the cost of environmental degradation or public safety. Influencers like Ali Aalyan Iqbal have a powerful platform and a responsibility to act with empathy and respect towards nature and local communities.
Reckless stunts in ecologically sensitive zones not only threaten biodiversity but also undermine efforts to promote sustainable tourism. We advocate for dialogue, awareness, and kindness as the foundation for coexistence between humans and the environment. It is essential that creators balance their desire for thrilling content with the urgent need to protect our planet’s delicate ecosystems.
