Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Aug 10: Kerala Police arrested right-wing political commentator TG Mohandas over remarks he allegedly made in a YouTube video concerning a student protest in New Delhi over the NEET paper leak, officials said.
Mohandas was taken into custody from his residence in Koovapadam in Kochi on Sunday and brought to the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police Station around midnight, where his arrest was formally recorded. He is expected to be produced before the concerned magistrate court on Monday.
Police officials said they collected details related to Mohandas' YouTube account and seized digital devices allegedly used to create and upload the video. The devices will be produced before the court and sent for forensic examination.
Police said further charges could be added against Mohandas following the investigation.
He has currently been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Information Technology Act and Kerala Police Act for allegedly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot, publishing or circulating false statements, rumours or reports, and causing nuisance through means of communication.
Police have also asked social media platforms to remove the video.
The case was registered based on a complaint alleging that videos uploaded on Mohandas' YouTube channel, 'Pathrika', were intended to disturb public peace and create fear and unrest among the public.
In the video, Mohandas allegedly said the student protest in Delhi could lead to incidents of gang rape and made derogatory remarks suggesting that women participating in the protest would enjoy being raped.
He also allegedly said that if he were in charge, he would impose a curfew and order the protesters to disperse, and if they refused, "open fire".
He further claimed that although some people could be killed or permanently injured, the situation could be brought under control within hours and the bodies shifted to hospitals.
Police alleged that the videos were uploaded and circulated on July 24 and 25 with the intention of disturbing public tranquillity and creating unrest by spreading fear among people participating in the protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Officials said police were also taking precautions over the possibility of protests near the Cyber Police Station and the magistrate court in Thiruvananthapuram.
A large crowd had gathered near Mohandas' residence when he was taken into custody on Sunday.
Police said the investigation is continuing, with the seized electronic devices to undergo forensic examination and the possibility of additional charges being considered.