By Alishan Jafri
New Delhi: On September 11, the Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against influencer Arpit Sharma, who creates content on social issues and politics, over a viral video on social media which, the FIR alleged, threatens India’s sovereignty and “has angered the masses”.
The Bulandshahar police have charged Sharma under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including Section 152 (acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) which reintroduces the colonial sedition law. The FIR alleges that Sharma made a video in the backdrop of the GenZ revolt in Nepal to stoke violence in India. It accuses Sharma of misusing digital media to undermine India’s integrity.
For three days, Sharma has been a target of online trolling and death threats. Sharma, who is also a chartered accountant based in England, told The Wire that details of his workplace have been leaked online and his statements are being quoted out of context, leading to death threats and rape threats against his family members.
The video
In a reel last week, a day after Nepal’s Gen Z protests erupted, Sharma had praised the youth of Nepal and questioned Indian GenZ for not protesting issues like E20 fuel, corruption and hate speeches. Sharma told The Wire, “When I made the video, the protests were peaceful but at no point was I inciting people.”
Sharma feels that the witch-hunt is happening because of his anti-Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh views. “I will never agree with Godse and Savarkar. My father is being dragged into this for my views. The truth is that I have criticised AAP [the Aam Aadmi Party] too when they were in power.”
This story was originally published in thewire.in. Read the full story here.
