Delhi Police on Thursday arrested content creator Mohammed Amir, known online as Amir Shokeen, over a video in which he allegedly made racially derogatory remarks at a man from Tripura, Hindustan Times reported.
In the 52-second clip, which spread on social media, Shokeen is seen holding the man's hand while making the remarks, as his companions laugh.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Niharika Bhatt said he was arrested from Sadar Bazaar in north Delhi on Thursday evening.
The charges
Shokeen has been booked under four sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: section 192, for provoking someone through an illegal act; section 196, for promoting enmity between racial, regional, and other groups; section 352, for intentional insult; and section 353, for circulating false statements.
A senior police officer said Shokeen already faces at least five criminal cases, including for causing hurt and molestation, and is listed as a repeat offender at Sadar Bazaar police station.
"Not scripted," say police
Shokeen posted an apology on Instagram on Tuesday, where he has about 1.42 lakh followers, saying the video was scripted. Police said questioning showed it was shot in Ahmedabad about a month ago, and that his claim it was scripted was false.
Calls for action
Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on X on Wednesday that strict action would be taken. "People who tolerate such wicked behavior in the society are also responsible for the spread of hatred," he wrote.
Tripura's Director General of Police, GS Rao, said a team from the state would travel to Delhi to assist the investigation.