Kerala Police have formally arrested political commentator T.G. Mohandas over alleged remarks made in a YouTube video concerning a student protest in New Delhi, while seized electronic devices are set to undergo forensic examination.
TG Mohandas Arrest Recorded by Cyber Police
T.G. Mohandas was taken into custody from his residence in Koovapadam, Kochi, on Sunday, August 9, and brought to the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police Station, where his arrest was formally recorded around midnight.
Police said he would be produced before the jurisdictional magistrate court on Monday, August 10. The case relates to statements he allegedly made in a video discussing a protest in New Delhi linked to the NEET examination paper-leak issue.
Seized Gadgets to Undergo Forensic Examination
Investigators collected information connected to Mohandas’s YouTube account and seized electronic devices allegedly used to create and upload the video. Officials said the devices would first be produced before the court and then sent for forensic analysis.
The examination is expected to help investigators establish details relating to the creation, storage and online circulation of the material. Police have also approached social-media operators seeking removal of the disputed video.
Police Consider Additional Charges
Mohandas has currently been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Information Technology Act and Kerala Police Act. Police said the existing allegations concern provocation capable of disturbing public peace, circulation of allegedly false or inflammatory material and nuisance caused through electronic communication.
Investigators have indicated that additional charges could be added depending on evidence gathered during the continuing probe and forensic examination.
Case Linked to Alleged Remarks on Delhi Protest
The case was registered following a complaint alleging that videos uploaded to Mohandas’s YouTube channel, “Pathrika,” contained comments capable of creating fear and unrest in connection with the Delhi protest.
Police allege that the videos, circulated on July 24 and 25, included highly derogatory comments concerning women participating in the demonstration as well as statements advocating force against protesters. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
