Superbike stunt at Pangong Lake in Ladakh lands vlogger in legal soup

Social media influencer and YouTuber Ali Aalyan Iqbal is facing legal action after Leh Police booked him for performing high-risk motorcycle stunts in ecologically fragile zones of Ladakh.

Ali, known for his adrenaline-fueled biking and fitness videos, reportedly violated environmental regulations by riding a superbike in restricted areas near Pangong Lake and the sand dunes of Nubra Valley—both highly sensitive ecological zones protected under local law.

The 2.74 million-subscriber content creator was in Ladakh in late June, during which he shot and shared videos and photos of the stunts on his YouTube channel Aalyan Vlogs and other social media accounts. His actions sparked backlash online and drew the attention of law enforcement.

Taking cognizance of the matter, Leh Police registered a case against him under Sections 125 and 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The police also released stills on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating: “A domestic tourist was booked U/S 125 & 292 of BNS 2023 for dangerously riding a bike in restricted zones of Pangong Lake & Nubra sand dunes, endangering Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.”

Officials have once again appealed to travelers and digital creators to exercise responsibility and follow local regulations while exploring the region.

“Visitors are urged to respect local laws to protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem,” the police added.

Environmentalists and local stakeholders have raised concerns over the growing trend of influencers flouting norms for viral content, warning that such behavior threatens the long-term ecological balance of Ladakh’s pristine landscapes.