Australian authorities are investigating several Indian social media influencers after they allegedly staged fabricated anti-immigration protests in major cities, sparking national outrage and serious questions about their visa status.
The controversial figures, including Lakshay Chaudhary and others with substantial online followings, are accused of orchestrating rallies in Sydney and Melbourne while pretending to be local citizens concerned about immigration levels.
Staged Protests and Inauthentic Anger
Videos circulating online show the influencers shouting slogans like "Australia for Australians" and making inflammatory statements about immigration policies. However, investigations reveal these protests were carefully staged productions rather than genuine public demonstrations.
One participant was reportedly heard stating they were participating solely for content creation purposes, undermining the authenticity of their supposed political concerns.
Visa Status Under Scrutiny
The situation has taken a serious turn as Australian Home Affairs officials confirmed examining whether these influencers violated their visa conditions. Most were reportedly in Australia on tourist visas, which explicitly prohibit work activities including content creation for commercial purposes.
Social media analytics suggest the group may have been attempting to leverage controversy to gain followers and monetize their platforms, potentially compromising Australia's immigration integrity in the process.
Public and Official Backlash
The alleged deception has sparked anger among Australian citizens and legitimate migrant communities. Many have expressed frustration that these individuals would exploit sensitive political issues for personal gain while potentially violating immigration laws.
Australian officials have emphasized that such behavior undermines genuine political discourse and violates the trust inherent in the visa system. The investigation continues as authorities determine appropriate consequences for those involved.
