Elderly Muslim man arrested after criticizing BJP leaders

NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — An elderly Muslim man in northern India was arrested and publicly humiliated after criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with videos circulating online showing him holding his ears and apologizing outside a police station following his detention.

The man, identified as Ehsaan from Uttar Pradesh state, was detained after a video recorded following Eid prayers went viral on social media. In videos shared after his arrest, he was seen standing outside a police station apologizing and promising not to repeat his remarks, while appearing to limp during the recorded apology.

Police said they verified the authenticity of the viral footage before registering criminal charges against him. Authorities said legal action was initiated because he allegedly made “indecent remarks” against people holding constitutional positions.

The incident has triggered renewed debate over freedom of expression in India, where rights advocates have increasingly raised concerns over police action targeting speech, online expression and criticism directed toward political leaders, particularly under BJP governments.

According to police, Ehsaan referred to Modi and Adityanath as “goondas,” a Hindi word commonly used to describe criminals or thugs, during an interaction with local media after Eid prayers.

Videos showing detainees apologizing publicly, holding their ears or making recorded statements have increasingly drawn criticism from civil rights groups, who argue such practices resemble public humiliation rather than lawful policing.

The incident also comes amid growing concern among Muslim communities and civil rights advocates over what they describe as increasingly selective policing, where Muslim speech, religious expression and criticism of ruling political figures often attract swift criminal action.

Although police confirmed legal proceedings remain underway, authorities have not publicly clarified the exact charges or whether Ehsaan remains in custody.

For rights groups, the incident has once again raised questions about whether criticism of powerful political figures is increasingly being treated as criminal conduct rather than protected speech.