NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has arrested Amir Shokeen, a self-proclaimed influencer involved in several cases under multiple police stations in the North district, for allegedly racially abusing a man from Tripura.Police took suo motu cognizance of a viral video of the alleged harassment that has drawn widespread criticism on social media.Shokeen, whose real name is Muhammad Amir, was heard using a derogatory racial slur while speaking to the man. He also asked the man if he was the president of China. When the man replied he’s from Tripura, Shokeen was seen making fun of the state’s name.A Delhi Police team visited Shokeen’s residence in Bara Hindu Rao but he was not there. A man, who claimed to be his brother, told reporters that they had been living separately for several years because of Shokeen’s alleged hooligan-like behaviour.Deputy commissioner of police (north) Niharika Bhatt said multiple teams were deployed to trace him. “After… multiple raids, the accused, Muhammad Amir, was apprehended in Karol Bagh and arrested.He is a bad character from the Sadar Bazar police station area and has a history of involvement in multiple cases,” she said.He has cases registered against him at Bara Hindu Rao and Sadar Bazar police stations from 2005-2023. He has been booked in cases involving allegations of molestation, among other offences.Following the controversy, Shokeen posted videos, saying the interaction was intended to be a joke. He also sought forgiveness from the people of Tripura and its chief minister.Police have booked him under sections of 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 196 (promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) of BNS.The Tripura Students Forum-Delhi (TSF-D) has filed a complaint with Delhi Police’s Special Police Unit for North Eastern Region (SPUNER).In Itanagar, Indian Youth Congress (IYC) general secretary Tarh Johny condemned the alleged racial abuse and sought a thorough probe.Johny called for strict legal action. “The northeast is not a joke. Our identity is not a joke. Our dignity is not a joke,” he said.He welcomed the registration of an FIR.
About The Author
