Popular Odia comedian and YouTuber Mr Gulua (real name Ashis Kumar Das) has alleged that he is facing blackmail and extortion threats through social media.
In a video posted online on Wednesday, Gulua appeared visibly distressed as he spoke from inside a car. He claimed that unidentified individuals demanded Rs 1 crore or alternatively Rs 50 lakh. According to him, the threats included defaming him on social media, physically assaulting him, or implicating him in false cases if he failed to comply.
The comedian said the threats have escalated to the point where he fears for his safety. He approached the Balianta police station in Odisha and filed a formal complaint.
Gulua, who hails from Brahmagiri in Puri district, has built a large following with more than 1.4 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, known for humorous Odia comedy sketches and viral dialogues.
Police acknowledged receiving the complaint but reported no arrests so far. Officials noted that the case highlights the growing risks faced by regional content creators amid rising cybercrime in India.
However, police sources also suggested that the video might have been uploaded to gain popularity or could be a prank. Balianta police stated that the truth will emerge after the investigation.
