Kochi: Right wing commentator T G Mohandas was taken into custody by Kerala Police on Sunday over controversial remarks he allegedly made about students protesting in Delhi over the NEET paper leak issue. A team from the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police reached Mohandas residence in Mattancherry on Sunday, accompanied by local police officials. He is expected to be questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police also collected details related to his YouTube channel, Pathrika, and digital equipment allegedly used to record and upload the videos. The action comes days after comments made by Mohandas in a YouTube video sparked controversy. While discussing a student protest in Delhi, he allegedly made remarks linking the demonstration to possible incidents of sexual violence against women protesters.
According to the police complaint, Mohandas also spoke about using force to deal with the protesters. He allegedly said that if he were in charge, he would impose restrictions around the protest site and ask the demonstrators to leave. If they refused, he spoke of police firing to bring the situation under control.
The remarks drew strong criticism, particularly from student groups and others who accused him of making offensive and threatening statements about protesters. The Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police subsequently registered a case over the videos. The FIR includes provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Kerala Police Act. Police have alleged that the content could create fear, unrest and disturb public peace.
Mohandas has defended himself, saying his comments were made in a satirical and hypothetical context. He has also argued that parts of his Malayalam remarks were taken out of context and that their meaning changed when they were translated and circulated online. The controversy also prompted the RSS to distance itself from his remarks. The organisation said Mohandas does not hold an official position in the RSS and described the comments as his personal views. It also said it did not agree with the statements.
With Mohandas now in police custody, investigators are examining the videos, their circulation and the digital material connected to the YouTube channel. The investigation remains underway. The allegations against Mohandas have not been established by a court, and his explanation is part of the ongoing legal process.