How False Viral Visa Claims Targeted Naturalized Citizen Sadhana Gollapudi

Federal prosecutors in Texas investigated the accusations against Gollapudi and found no evidence of wrongdoing, explicitly stating the claims were baseless. The investigation concluded without any charges, and prosecutors publicly affirmed her legal status as a naturalized citizen.

The false allegations first surfaced on social media, where anonymous posts accused Gollapudi of abusing an F-1 student visa. The posts quickly spread, fueling a wave of anti-Indian harassment directed at her, including threats and abusive messages.

Gollapudi, who works as an engineer in Houston, said the harassment disrupted her personal and professional life. She reported the threats to local authorities, who coordinated with federal investigators to trace the origin of the claims.

The case highlights how misinformation can target individuals in the Indian diaspora, particularly in the current climate of heightened scrutiny over immigration. Gollapudi has since called for greater accountability on social media platforms to prevent similar attacks.

No arrests have been made in connection with the harassment, and the investigation into the source of the false claims remains open. Gollapudi has returned to her normal routine, though she said the experience has left her more cautious about her online presence.