A food vlogger from Muzaffarnagar was arrested after a social media video promoting a non-vegetarian eatery allegedly hurt religious sentiments by showing visuals of a Shiv idol at the city’s famous Shiv Chowk.
The accused, identified as Anas Ahmed, is a resident of Laddawala and runs food vlogging channels on YouTube and other social media platforms.
According to police, Ahmed had visited a local restaurant named “Al Yameen” to shoot a food review video. While recording the reel, he also included clips of several landmarks in the city, including the tricolour flag and the Shiv idol located at Shiv Chowk.
Hindu Groups Objected to the Video
The video sparked objections from some Hindu organisations, which accused the vlogger of insulting religious sentiments by allegedly showing the Shiv idol in a video related to non-vegetarian food promotion.
The groups reportedly warned of protests if action was not taken against the vlogger.
Following the complaints, police launched an inquiry and later arrested Ahmed.
FIR Registered Under BNSS Provision
Bablu Kumar, Station House Officer of Khalapar police station, said an FIR was registered under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows police to arrest a person without a warrant to prevent the commission of a cognisable offence.
Police said the reel showed the vlogger travelling through the city and recording visuals of important public locations while promoting food dishes served at the eatery.
Vlogger Issued Public Apology
After the controversy erupted, Ahmed uploaded two videos apologising to the residents of Muzaffarnagar.
Police said the investigation into the matter is ongoing.
