NEW DELHI | Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly condemned the alleged racial abuse of a youth from Tripura by Delhi-based content creator Amir Shokeen, warning that the Delhi and Tripura police would take action in the case.

In a post on X on October 21, Rijiju said there had been a delay in filing an official complaint but asserted that the accused would face consequences. “This evil man will be punished. There was a delay in lodging the official complaint, but Delhi Police and Tripura Police will teach him a hard lesson,” Rijiju said.

The minister also criticised those who tolerate such behaviour, arguing that silence in the face of racial hostility allows hatred to spread in society.

The controversy erupted after a video allegedly showing Shokeen making racially derogatory remarks against a youth from Tripura went viral on social media. The incident triggered widespread condemnation across the Northeast, where concerns over racial discrimination against people from the region have repeatedly surfaced.

Following the public outcry, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha directed the state’s Director General of Police to coordinate with Delhi Police over the matter. Political leaders across party lines have also condemned the alleged remarks and demanded appropriate action.

A complaint has been lodged with Tripura Police, accusing Shokeen of racial harassment, cyberbullying and making derogatory remarks against indigenous communities of the state. The allegations are yet to be established through the legal process.

Amid mounting criticism, Shokeen issued a video apology on Facebook, claiming that the exchange was scripted and intended as humour. He said the youth featured in the video was known to him and had previously worked at a friend’s café in Ahmedabad.

Denying any intention to insult the youth or any community, Shokeen said the exchange had been made in a joking context. He apologised to those who felt offended by the remarks.

“I had no intention of saying anything bad about anyone. If anyone felt bad, I apologise from the bottom of my heart. I respect everyone,” he said. He also addressed the people of Tripura directly, asking them to accept his apology and stressing the importance of brotherhood.

“My brothers from Tripura, I apologise to all of you with folded hands. Brotherhood is top priority. I am sorry,” he added.

The incident has renewed concerns over racial stereotyping and online harassment targeting people from the Northeast. Rijiju’s warning, alongside the Tripura government’s intervention, has intensified calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into the alleged abuse.

The case has also highlighted the responsibility of social media content creators to ensure that humour and online entertainment do not become vehicles for racial humiliation or hostility towards particular communities.