Kashmir YouTuber arrested over effigy video

It shows bare-bodied Faisal Wani wielding a sword in his hand and beheading a picture of Nupur Sharma

Representational: image. : Shutterstock

TT Special Correspondent   |   Srinagar   |    12.06.22  : Kashmir YouTuber Faisal Wani was arrested on Saturday for posting a video that showed him beheading an effigy of suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

The video, which had been widely circulated on social media, was flagged by Right-wing handles that urged Kashmir police to take action.

The police lodged an FIR at Srinagar Safa Kadal Police Station under sections 505 (causing public mischief) and 506  (criminal intimidation) of the IPC on Saturday.

The police raided Wani’s Srinagar residence and picked him up.

The video shows bare-bodied Wani wielding a sword in his hand and beheading a picture of Sharma, with music of Turkish drama Ertugrul playing in the background.

Before his arrest, Wani posted another video in which he said he did not have any intention of hurting the sentiments of people or any religion

“I had no intention to hurt anybody. But I am extremely sorry if my action has hurt anybody,” Wani, who is known for making funny videos, said in a hand-folded apology.

 “I hope you will make this video viral too like my other video. This is how everyone will know that I am apologetic about my actions,” he added.

The YouTuber’s arrest came after he deleted the earlier viral video on his channel Deep pain Fitness.

Wani said he had been jobless after he was forced to shut his garments shops due to online competition. He later applied for a computer course and started making his own videos, he said.

A police officer said the video he uploaded had the potential to incite violence.

Parts of Srinagar observed a shutdown on Friday to protest against Sharma’s derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed.

Jammu divisional commissioner Ramesh Kumar said the situation was under control and there were no untoward incidents on Saturday.

Kumar said they were in the process of identifying people who were behind the alleged blasphemous social media posts and speeches.

Several FIRs have been lodged in the region, but no arrests have been made.