Kochi: Right-wing political commentator T.G. Mohandas was taken into custody by Kerala Police on Sunday over controversial remarks he allegedly made about students protesting in New Delhi over the NEET examination paper-leak issue. The BJP has criticised the police action, calling it discriminatory and politically motivated.
Mohandas was taken into custody from his residence in Mattancherry, Kochi. His arrest was subsequently formally recorded at the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police Station, according to police officials.
Controversial Remarks Sparked Outrage
The case relates to remarks Mohandas allegedly made in videos posted on YouTube while commenting on the student protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
In one of the videos, he reportedly spoke about using police force against protesters if he had the authority to do so. In another video, he made an offensive remark concerning women participating in the protest and rape. The comments triggered widespread criticism and complaints seeking police action.
The remarks came amid a broader political controversy surrounding the treatment of students who had gathered in Delhi to protest over issues connected with the NEET examination and alleged paper leaks.
Police Register Case
The Kerala Cyber Police registered a case following complaints over the videos. Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Information Technology Act and Kerala Police Act.
According to reports, the allegations include making statements allegedly intended to provoke a disturbance, publishing or circulating false statements or reports and causing nuisance through communication. Police are also examining whether additional charges should be added as the investigation progresses.
Authorities have seized electronic devices allegedly used in creating and uploading the videos. The devices are expected to undergo forensic examination as part of the investigation.
BJP Calls Police Action ‘Discriminatory’
The BJP has criticised the detention, describing the action as discriminatory. The party has accused the Kerala government of using the case for political purposes and diverting attention from other issues.
The political response has added another layer to an already contentious dispute over the handling of student protests and the limits of political commentary.
However, the police action is based on allegations that remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny. Mohandas’s detention or arrest should not be treated as a determination of guilt.
RSS Had Earlier Distanced Itself From Remarks
The controversy had already prompted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to distance itself from some of Mohandas’s earlier statements concerning the protests.
The RSS publicly condemned the controversial remarks, indicating that the comments did not represent its position.
Mohandas has also previously faced criticism over remarks in which he allegedly said that protesters could have been subjected to police firing if he had been in authority. He later offered a clarification regarding those comments.
NEET Protest Becomes Political Flashpoint
The controversy surrounding Mohandas comes against the backdrop of growing political tensions over student protests and the NEET examination.
The protests have generated criticism from opposition parties and student organisations, while the government’s handling of demonstrators has become a subject of political debate.
The Mohandas case has now brought questions of freedom of expression, political commentary and the responsibility of public figures back into focus.
What Happens Next?
Mohandas is expected to be produced before the concerned magistrate court as the investigation continues. Police are examining his digital devices and the material associated with the controversial videos, while officials have indicated that further charges could be considered depending on the findings.
The case is likely to remain politically contentious, with the BJP challenging the police action and authorities continuing their investigation into the allegations.
Ultimately, the courts will determine whether the remarks constitute offences under the provisions invoked by the police.
