Indian-Origin Professor Faces Allegations in Sting Operation

An Indian-origin associate professor at the University of California, San Diego, is under intense scrutiny following a viral video that allegedly exposes him as part of an online child predator sting. The operation was conducted by People vs. Predators, a California-based group dedicated to exposing suspected predators. The video, which has gained significant traction on social media, shows activists confronting Nisarg Jaydeep Shah at a supermarket, where he purportedly intended to meet a 14-year-old boy.

Details of the Confrontation

In the footage, activist Tim Johnson, known for exposing over 500 suspected predators, confronts Mr. Shah about explicit conversations allegedly held on the dating app Grindr. Screenshots shared by Johnson suggest that Mr. Shah claimed to be 28 and engaged in sexually explicit chats, even after the decoy mentioned being “about to be 15.” During the confrontation, Mr. Shah expressed deep remorse, stating he felt “horrible” and described his actions as “abhorrent.”

Admission and Investigation

Further footage outside the store reveals Mr. Shah admitting to bringing personal lubricant and a douche, claiming they were intended to help the person he believed he was meeting “get ready” and “prep.” He repeatedly acknowledged his mistake, saying, “I f

ked up,” and suggested he might need professional help. A photo reportedly shows Mr. Shah in handcuffs; however, SanDiegoVille reported that he was only briefly detained and released at the scene. The San Diego Police Department has confirmed an ongoing investigation into the incident. SDPD Lt Travis Easter stated that their Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit is actively investigating but has not yet filed any charges.

University’s Response and Professional Background** Nisarg Shah is an associate professor specializing in immunoengineering and nanoscale materials at UC San Diego. He holds a Ph.D. from MIT and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard. In response to the allegations, UC San Diego has pledged full cooperation with authorities and reiterated its commitment to campus safety and a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.