New Delhi: YouTuber Faisal Wani, who tendered an apology for his video depicting the beheading of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma, has been arrested, ANI reported. He had uploaded an incriminating video on YouTube which is against public tranquility and has caused fear and alarm to the public in general, the news agency reported the Jammu and Kashmir Police as saying.
The police added the FIR against Wani has been registered under Sections 505 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Safa Kadal Police Station.
The Kashmir-based YouTuber apologised earlier after the video went viral and triggered massive backlash..
“I apologise. I am extremely sorry if someone is hurt due to me,” ANI quoted Wani as saying. “Yes, I made the video but I did not have any ill intention. I deleted the video and I apologise if it hurt anyone,” he said in the apology video posted on YouTube.
Wani, who runs a fitness channel called ‘Deep Pain Fitness’ on YouTube, was seen bare-bodied in a video posted on his channel earlier this week and wielding a sword, which he used to behead a photo of the suspended BJP spokesperson.
The graphic video has now been deleted from Wani's channel.
The suspended BJP spokesperson has drawn massive criticism after allegedly making inflammatory remarks on Prophet Muhammad during a TV news debate.
Sharma’s comments triggered outrage and protests among the public at home and in a host of Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Iran.
The BJP has suspended Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal from the party’s primary membership.
ALSO READ: Prophet Remarks Row: FIR Filed In Connection With Protests Outside Jama Masjid
The order in this regard was issued by the BJP Central Disciplinary Committee.
“You have expressed views contrary to the Party’s position on various matters, which is in clear violation of Rule 10 (a) of constitution of the Bharatiya Janata Party,” said the order issued to Sharma by Om Pathak, Member Secretary, Central Disciplinary Committee.
“I have been directed to convey to you that pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities/assignments if any, with immediate effect,” Pathak added.
Jindal has been terminated from the BJP’s primary membership “for expressing thoughts communal disharmony on social media”, ANI reported.
The BJP had earlier distanced itself from the controversial comments allegedly made by Sharma against Prophet Mohammed.
BJP national general secretary Arun Singh in a statement said the party is strongly against any ideology, which insults or demeans any sect or religion.
He added the BJP does not support such persons or ideologies.
The BJP national general secretary further said India’s Constitution gives right to every citizen to practice any religion of his or her choice and to honour and respect every religion.
“As India celebrates 75th year of its Independence, we are committed to making India a great country where all are equal and everyone lives with dignity, where all are committed to India’s unity and integrity, where all enjoy the fruits of growth and development,” he added.