India YouTuber Detained Ahead of Election Protest

Indian YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained by police at his Gurugram residence on October 10, ahead of a planned protest against the Chief Election Commissioner. Rathee, who was released later that night, described the incident as a kidnapping and accused authorities of curbing dissent. The detention occurred as police denied permission for the demonstration, citing security concerns.

What happened to Dhruv Rathee?

Rathee said police entered his home at around 7 am and took him away before he could react. He claimed he was not given the opportunity to put on shoes, sustained marks on his body, and was moved between two police stations. He also alleged that his phone and his parents' phones were confiscated, and that he was denied access to his lawyer.

In a video posted after his release, Rathee rejected claims that his detention was linked to a foreign passport, stating he holds an Indian passport. He said,

I'm an Indian citizen, and I have the same rights as a common citizen. This is a complete lie.

Why was the protest planned?

The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and changes to Form 6, used for voter registration. Delhi Police denied permission for the demonstration, citing security and procedural requirements.

What did Rathee say about the detention?

Rathee drew a distinction between arrest, detention, and what he experienced, arguing that a proper arrest requires officers to identify themselves and state the legal basis. He described the situation as an unofficial emergency, claiming the government is restricting the right to dissent.

He also referenced the detention of CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, and alleged that more than 7,000 people had been detained. Rathee urged citizens to consider the implications of restrictions on public dissent, warning that people could eventually lose the opportunity to raise their voices.

The detention took place amid heightened security arrangements and preventive action against those seeking to participate in the protest. The CJP confirmed Rathee's detention in a post on X.

Photo: Economic Times