Ghaziabad-based advocate Smriti Singh Chandel (left) filed a Zero FIR against 25-year-old Ruchika Singh (right) over the alleged use of abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others.
'She wasn't a protester': Advocate Singh defends FIR against content creator Ruchika
The case stems from a viral video recorded during the Jantar Mantar protests, with police examining allegations of abusive language directed at the Prime Minister and others
A viral Instagram video featuring Ruchika Singh, a 25-year-old woman from Noida, has come under police scrutiny after she allegedly used abusive and objectionable language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a woman political leader and the Prime Minister's late mother during the recent NEET-related protests at Jantar Mantar.
A zero FIR, initially registered in Noida, has now been transferred to Delhi Police, which has begun an investigation into the matter.
Ruchika’s family apologises
The complaint was filed by Smriti Singh Chandel, a Ghaziabad-based advocate and president of the women's wing of the Jansatta Dal Loktantrik in the district.
Amid the controversy, Ruchika Singh's family has expressed regret over the incident. According to media reports, Ruchika's mother said the family had already submitted an apology letter to the police following the registration of the FIR. She reportedly made the remarks while speaking to the owner of the salon where Ruchika worked. "We have already given an apology letter to the police officials. We are very sorry about what has happened," she said.
Speaking to The Federal, Chandel said Delhi Police had contacted her over the phone and sought additional information after the case was transferred for investigation.
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"I do not know Ruchika Singh personally. But using such vulgar and abusive language merely to gain followers on social media is dangerous for society and future generations. If the image of the Prime Minister is tarnished, it reflects poorly on the country's image as well. That is why I decided to take legal action," Chandel said.
Ruchika Singh untraceable
According to Chandel, the Zero FIR was initially lodged at the Expressway police station in Noida because Singh had earlier worked at a salon in the city and her last known address was there. Since the alleged incident took place during the protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, the case has now been transferred to Delhi Police for further investigation.
She has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This includes Section 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), Section 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief), and Section 356(1) (defamation).
She claimed that Singh is currently untraceable at her Noida address and said police would question her once she is located.
‘Content creator, not protestor’
Responding to allegations by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das, who termed the FIR an attempt to target protesters, Chandel rejected the charge.
"She was neither a student nor an activist. She was simply a social media content creator. Her objective was to gain followers through controversial and abusive remarks. There are legitimate ways to build an online audience. Resorting to indecent language only harms the country's image," she said.
Chandel also defended the decision to initiate criminal proceedings against an individual, saying the language allegedly used in the viral video crossed acceptable limits of public discourse.
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"In India's history, I have never seen a public figure or ordinary citizen use such vulgar language on a public platform. Criticism is part of democracy, but there has to be a line," she said.
Wider crackdown
The development comes amid a broader crackdown by Delhi Police on allegedly abusive and objectionable social media content linked to the Jantar Mantar protests. Police have issued notices to social media platforms seeking the removal of several such posts and videos, while a dedicated team has been monitoring online content related to the protests.
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The FIR has also sparked debate because the Supreme Court had earlier directed that no coercive action be taken against students who participated in the Jantar Mantar protests. Chandel, however, maintained that her complaint pertains to the alleged use of abusive language in a viral social media video rather than participation in the protest itself.
Delhi Police has not yet announced any coercive action against Singh. The investigation is ongoing.
This article was originally published in The Federal Desh