A 25-year-old food blogger, who runs popular vlogging channels on YouTube and other social media platforms, was arrested in Muzaffarnagar on Saturday after right-wing groups filed a police complaint. The controversy erupted over a video reel that allegedly promoted a non-vegetarian roadside eatery while featuring a Shiv idol in the background.
Arrest and Legal Action
According to police officials, the blogger, identified as Anas Ahmed, was taken into custody after certain individuals objected to the inclusion of the Shiv idol in the clip, claiming it hurt their religious sentiments. Khalapar Station House Officer (SHO) Bablu Kumar confirmed that an FIR was registered under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers police to arrest individuals without a warrant to prevent the commission of a cognizable offense.
Details of the Controversial Reel
The now-deleted reel showed a youngster shooting a food review clip while incorporating footage of the city's prominent Shiv Chowk, which features a Shiv idol. The video also captured various key locations in the city to promote the eatery. Police in Muzaffarnagar's Khalapar area initiated an inquiry after taking cognizance of the matter and identified the accused, who is a resident of Laddawala. Investigators found that the video was filmed while reviewing food dishes at the city-based eatery.
Apology and Aftermath
In response to the backlash, Ahmed posted two videos on his social media channels apologizing to the city's residents for the controversial reel. Despite his apology, legal proceedings continued, leading to his arrest. The incident has sparked a debate on social media about the boundaries of content creation and religious sensitivity.
About the Author
Mohd Dilshad is a journalist with two decades of experience, having worked with major news organizations such as NDTV and Times Now. As a Principal Correspondent covering West Uttar Pradesh, he reports on crime, courts, politics, human-interest stories, and minority issues. His coverage includes key institutions such as Darul Uloom Deoband and Aligarh Muslim University, as well as districts including Agra, Aligarh, and Muzaffarnagar.
