A prominent social media influencer from the Mewat region, with a combined following exceeding one lakh across various platforms, has been arrested by the Gurgaon police. The arrest was made in connection with a video she posted that contained derogatory language and offensive comparisons targeting the Dalit community.
FIR Registered Under Stringent SC/ST Act
The police action was initiated after a local youth filed a formal complaint at the Punhana City police station. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered against the influencer, identified as Hansira, also known as Hansi Khan, who is a resident of Punhana. The case has been filed under the relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, a law designed to protect marginalized communities from discrimination and atrocities.
Video Content and Widespread Circulation
According to the details of the complaint, the controversial clip was first uploaded on Facebook. It subsequently spread to other major social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram. The video depicted Hansira sitting inside her car at a petrol pump. While commenting on a long queue of vehicles waiting for CNG, she drew an insulting analogy between the line of cars and the Dalit community.
The complainant stated that the influencer used obscene and insulting words specifically aimed at the community. "It hurt the sentiments of many people," the complaint emphasized, highlighting the offensive nature of the content.
Police Treat Case as Highly Sensitive
Law enforcement authorities are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. A police spokesperson cited the severe nature of the allegations and the video's potential to reach a wide audience as key reasons for the stringent action. "The case is being treated as highly sensitive. An investigation has been initiated to examine all aspects, including the circulation of the video," the official stated.
Another police officer pointed out that Hansira's status as a known personality in the region, with a substantial online following, significantly amplified the reach and potential impact of the inflammatory video.
Apology Fails to Halt Legal Proceedings
As the video gained traction online, it sparked sharp criticism and backlash on social media. Numerous users condemned the remarks and demanded strict legal action against the influencer. In response to the growing outrage, Hansira uploaded a follow-up video on her social media accounts, issuing an apology for her earlier comments.
However, the police proceeded with the arrest despite the apology. Officials pointed to the stringent nature of the SC/ST Act and the profound impact such remarks have on public sentiment and social harmony. Following her arrest, Hansira was produced before a court, which remanded her to judicial custody.
The incident underscores the legal ramifications of hate speech and derogatory content on social media, especially when it targets protected communities under India's preventive laws.
