The Delhi Police have arrested social media content creator Amir Shokeen following widespread public outrage and intense scrutiny over a viral video that allegedly showed him directing racial slurs, offensive remarks, and inappropriate gestures at a young man from Tripura.

Shokeen was apprehended by the Sadar Bazar Police from a relative’s house in Karol Bagh after briefly shifting locations to evade authorities.

Background of the Incident

The controversy erupted after a video circulated widely across social media platforms, drawing sharp condemnation from citizens, student organisations, and political leaders. In the clip, Shokeen questions a youth about his regional identity. Upon learning that the individual is from Tripura, the content creator proceeds to make derogatory comments, including referring to him as “Chinese,” mocking the state’s name, and comparing his appearance to public figures.

The footage also featured offensive gestures and physical proximity that triggered severe concerns regarding harassment, bodily autonomy, and the recurring issue of racial discrimination faced by individuals from Northeast India in metropolitan cities.

Legal Action and Charges

Following an outcry led by bodies such as the Tripura Students Forum Delhi (TSF’D) and the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF)—who filed formal police complaints citing hate speech and defamation—the Delhi Police launched a formal investigation.

An FIR was registered at the Sadar Bazar Police Station under key provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):

• Section 192: Provoking with intent to cause riot.
• Section 196: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
• Section 352: Punishment for intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.
• Section 353: Statements conducing to public mischief.

Additionally, authorities in Tripura also lodged separate legal provisions in connection with the row, while senior state police officials coordinated closely with Delhi Police counterparts to ensure swift legal steps. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and regional leaders publicly condemned the act, vowing strict action against racial abuse.

Accused’s Response

As pressure mounted, Amir Shokeen released a video apology on social media. In his statement, he claimed that the clip was “scripted” for comedy, that the youth involved was an acquaintance, and that he never intended to hurt any community. He stated that he had deleted the video and sought forgiveness from the people of Tripura and Chief Minister Manik Saha.

Despite the apology, student unions and community advocates pressed for custodial action, arguing that cloaking racial harassment and humiliation under the guise of online comedy or “prank culture” is unacceptable and normalises prejudice against indigenous communities from the Northeast.

Police investigations into the matter remain active as authorities look into all individuals involved in the production and distribution of the video

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