The Crossbill News Desk
On September 11, the Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against social media influencer Arpit Sharma, who creates content focused on social issues and politics, in connection with a viral video alleged to threaten India’s sovereignty and “has angered the masses.”
The FIR, registered by the Bulandshahar police, charges Sharma under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including Section 152, which reintroduces the colonial-era sedition law and pertains to acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, The Wire reported.
The complaint claims that Sharma made the video against the backdrop of the Gen Z revolt in Nepal, with the intent to incite violence in India. It further accuses him of misusing digital media to undermine national integrity. Over the past three days, Sharma has faced intense online trolling, along with death and rape threats directed at him and his family.
Sharma, who is also a chartered accountant based in England, told The Wire that details of his workplace have been leaked online and that his statements are being quoted out of context, exacerbating the threats.
In the controversial reel, posted a day after Nepal’s Gen Z protests began, Sharma praised the youth of Nepal and questioned why Indian Gen Z had not protested against issues such as 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 believes the action against him is politically motivated due to his opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
“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,” he said.
He has also defended his video on social media, writing, “I believe in Gandhi, I believe in Nehru, I am a peace loving citizen of this country. I never ever support any violence. I am against hate, I am against Godse, I am against genocide.”
In another post, he stated, “I have done nothing wrong, said nothing wrong. Hate cannot shake me. They are viciously defaming me but I will try to stand tall.”
He further affirmed, “With Gandhiji’s values as my strength, Bhagat Singh’s courage & Baba Saheb’s constitution, I stand for peace, truth & unity.”
Sharma’s case is part of a growing trend, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where Section 152 has increasingly been invoked against dissenters. Last year, fact-checker Mohammad Zubair was booked under the same section for sharing a video of Yati Narsinghanand, a controversial Hindutva leader known for anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Following Operation Sindoor, sedition cases were also filed against folk singer Neha Singh Rathore and satirist Madri Kakoti (also known as Dr Medusa). One of the most high-profile cases was that of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for his comments on Operation Sindoor, speaking out against war-mongering and criticizing the silence surrounding victims of “BJP’s hate mongering.”
As the controversy unfolds, Sharma continues to face mounting threats, reflecting rising concerns over the shrinking space for dissent in the country.
The FIR, registered by the Bulandshahar police, charges Sharma under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including Section 152, which reintroduces the colonial-era sedition law and pertains to acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, The Wire reported.
The complaint claims that Sharma made the video against the backdrop of the Gen Z revolt in Nepal, with the intent to incite violence in India. It further accuses him of misusing digital media to undermine national integrity. Over the past three days, Sharma has faced intense online trolling, along with death and rape threats directed at him and his family.
Sharma, who is also a chartered accountant based in England, told The Wire that details of his workplace have been leaked online and that his statements are being quoted out of context, exacerbating the threats.
In the controversial reel, posted a day after Nepal’s Gen Z protests began, Sharma praised the youth of Nepal and questioned why Indian Gen Z had not protested against issues such as 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 believes the action against him is politically motivated due to his opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
“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,” he said.
He has also defended his video on social media, writing, “I believe in Gandhi, I believe in Nehru, I am a peace loving citizen of this country. I never ever support any violence. I am against hate, I am against Godse, I am against genocide.”
In another post, he stated, “I have done nothing wrong, said nothing wrong. Hate cannot shake me. They are viciously defaming me but I will try to stand tall.”
He further affirmed, “With Gandhiji’s values as my strength, Bhagat Singh’s courage & Baba Saheb’s constitution, I stand for peace, truth & unity.”
Sharma’s case is part of a growing trend, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where Section 152 has increasingly been invoked against dissenters. Last year, fact-checker Mohammad Zubair was booked under the same section for sharing a video of Yati Narsinghanand, a controversial Hindutva leader known for anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Following Operation Sindoor, sedition cases were also filed against folk singer Neha Singh Rathore and satirist Madri Kakoti (also known as Dr Medusa). One of the most high-profile cases was that of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for his comments on Operation Sindoor, speaking out against war-mongering and criticizing the silence surrounding victims of “BJP’s hate mongering.”
As the controversy unfolds, Sharma continues to face mounting threats, reflecting rising concerns over the shrinking space for dissent in the country.
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