Keralite vlogger, who claimed arrest by Mujahideen, now says she escaped arrest threat in Afghanistan

A Keralite travel vlogger, who initially alleged she was arrested by the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, now claims she faced a threat of arrest from local authorities in Bamyan, Afghanistan. The vlogger, whose Facebook page is Backpacker Arunima, posted an update on social media, stating that she was approached by local authorities who threatened her with arrest, citing a law that prohibits women from traveling alone in the country.

The vlogger had been denied a permit in Jalalabad because she intended to travel solo. Upon reaching Bamyan, she was questioned about her passport, visa, and permit. Frightened by the situation, she reached out to a man who had previously assisted her in reaching Bamyan, who spoke on her behalf to the authorities. The authorities insisted that she obtain a permit and travel with a guide, which she eventually did.

The vlogger emphasized that she was singled out due to her gender and expressed her intention to continue her journey towards the Uzbekistan border, anticipating several more checkpoints. She had previously posted an Instagram story seeking assistance, stating, "I am in trouble in Afghanistan. I am in Bamyan." The woman sought help to contact the Indian embassy and shared an official communication from local authorities, which alleged her arrest by the Mujahideen. It should be noted that PTI could not independently verify her claims.