Pilibhit influencer arrest after alleged remarks against Valmiki community prompt protest

Police in Pilibhit arrested social media influencer Wasim Raza after a video posted during a visit to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve allegedly used derogatory language about the Valmiki community. The clip triggered protests and a road blockade at Gas Chauraha. A case was filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

Police arrested a social media influencer in Pilibhit after a video with alleged derogatory remarks spread online. The clip led to protests by members of the Valmiki community and a road blockade at Gas Chauraha, officials said on Sunday. Police said the situation turned tense soon after the video circulated widely.

Station House Officer Naresh Tyagi said the case linked to Wasim Raza from Naugawan Pakdiya village. Police said Raza uploaded the video on a social media page named Mr Pilibhit. The video was recorded during a visit to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Tyagi added.

Valmiki community protest and road blockade in Pilibhit

According to police, hundreds of Valmiki community members gathered after the video appeared online. Residents assembled at a Valmiki temple in the Nakhasa locality on Sunday morning. The group then held a procession before blocking traffic at Gas Chauraha, police said.

Senior officials reached the spot with a large police presence to manage the crowd. The team included Additional Superintendent of Police Vikram Dahiya, City Magistrate Vijay Vardhan Tomar and Circle Officer City Deepak Chaturvedi. Officials said the blockade ended after authorities assured action.

FIR, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act action in Pilibhit

Sungarhi police station staff arrested the accused after the protest, officials said. Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Officials said Raza was later sent to jail.

The first information report was filed on the complaint of a local resident, Himanshu Nandan, officials said. Valmiki community members also alleged Raza had made offensive remarks against them more than once. The community further alleged earlier objectionable comments were made on Hindu deities.

Police deployment after Valmiki community protest in Pilibhit

Police deployed extra personnel in Nakhasa and other sensitive locations as a precaution, officials said. Pradeshik Armed Constabulary PAC teams were also positioned in these areas. Officials appealed for calm and asked residents not to trust rumours while police continued monitoring the situation.

With inputs from PTI