Padubidri: YouTuber’s beach photoshoot sparks outrage

Team Udayavani, Aug 31, 2024, 8:54 AM IST

Padubidri: A photoshoot by a Mumbai-based woman YouTuber at the Padubidri beach has stirred controversy.

Four days ago, locals objected to a photoshoot conducted by a YouTuber named Khyati Shree, citing “inappropriate” behavior. The local community has expressed strong disapproval of her actions, with fishermen urging that “cultural boundaries” should not be crossed under the guise of tourism development.

Khyati Shree, the YouTuber in question, took to social media to accuse the police of harassment, which has fueled further debate. She claimed that while she was taking photos with her husband at the beach, the police intervened and warned them. She expressed her dissatisfaction, stating that such an incident occurred at a supposedly safe beach like Padubidri.

The YouTuber also voiced her frustration on Instagram, accusing both the locals and the police of interfering while her husband was taking her photos on the beach. Her post has garnered mixed reactions, with some expressing anger towards her.

No Untoward Incident Reported: Udupi SP

“There was a complaint from the public about a young man and woman behaving indecently at the Padubidri Blue Flag beach. An ASI and his team, who were on beat duty, visited the spot, spoke to the individuals involved, and informed them about the significance of the Blue Flag beach and nearby residential areas. They were then asked to leave the area. No untoward incidents have been reported. We have contacted the YouTuber and advised her to file a formal complaint if she has any grievances. Legal action will be taken if she does,” said Dr. K. Arun, Superintendent of Police, Udupi.