In a recent development that has sparked controversy and raised questions about press freedom in India, journalist Rachit Kaushik was arrested by the Punjab Police on Tuesday, February 6, have a look at his biography and wife
Rachit Kaushik is also known as Tantra Baba and is the founder of the Sab Loktantra news portal along with being a Delhi based YouTuber. The circumstances surrounding his arrest, including the allegations against him and the reactions from various quarters, have stirred debate and concern across social media platforms.
Who is journalist and YouTuber Rachit Kaushik owner of Sab Loktantra arrested by Punjab Police, biography, age, family and wife
🚨 EXCLUSIVE
YouTuber Rachit Kaushik arrested by Punjab Police.
Rachit had made a video on the earnings of Kejriwal's son.#RachitKaushik_Kidnapped #RachitKaushik #KejriKaBetaChorHain pic.twitter.com/Tbq6BtcrrL
— 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐔 (@sumu029) February 7, 2024
According to reports, Rachit Kaushik was taken into custody in Muzzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh where he was allegedly attending his niece’s wedding. The arrest appears to be linked to an FIR filed against him in connection with derogatory remarks against a particular religion.
Rachit Kaushik is a journalist by profession and posts videos on social media platforms like YouTube and is also the president of Indraprastha Yogasana Sports Association, Delhi. Rachit lives in Shahdara, Delhi with his wife.
Rachit Kaushik’s age is around 40 years (approx) and he was arrested while attending his niece’s wedding.
Based on the statement given by the Ludhiana police commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal, they arrested him under sections 295-A, 153-A, 153, 504 IPC, and 67 Information Technology Act after a case was registered against him and he also said that Kaushik hurt religious sentiments by promoting enmity.
The complaint, lodged by Alisha Sultan, a pastor from Ludhiana, alleged that Kaushik’s Twitter account, ‘noconversion,’ posted content deemed offensive to Christian women and nuns, potentially inciting communal tensions.
However, the FIR did not explicitly mention Kaushik’s name or his affiliation with Sab Loktantra, leading to confusion among those accompanying him at the time of his arrest. Kaushik’s family has alleged that his detention is linked to his criticism of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in his videos, rather than any specific comments about Christianity or conversions.
BJP UP Police its clarified that Punjab Police arrest is completely legal & he is not kidnapped at all. Arrest is based on the Henious sections against the accused Rachit Kaushik & Non Bailable warrant issued by Court.
Chalo bhakto rona shuru karo😅 pic.twitter.com/58fA9Y3iBV
— Gss🇮🇳 (@Gss_Views) February 7, 2024
Kaushik’s mother claimed that Punjab Police officers remarked, “We have been tracing you for a long time. Finally, we caught you,” during the arrest, suggesting a targeted approach.
Supporters of Kaushik have rallied behind him, accusing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal of attempting to silence independent journalism. Social media has been abuzz with commentary on the incident, with many expressing outrage and concern over what they perceive as an attack on press freedom.
Amidst the uproar, Muzaffarnagar Police released a statement denying rumors of kidnapping, asserting that Kaushik was apprehended by Punjab Police on the basis of a court-issued non-bailable warrant. This statement contradicts claims made by some on social media, who alleged that Kaushik was abducted by armed individuals during the wedding ceremony.
The arrest of Kaushik has drawn parallels with previous incidents, such as the apprehension of Times Now journalist Bhavana Kishore by Punjab Police in May of the previous year. These incidents have reignited debates about the state of press freedom in India and the challenges faced by journalists in carrying out their duties without fear of reprisal.
In the midst of conflicting narratives and allegations, fact-checkers have stepped in to provide clarity. Muhammad Zubair, a prominent fact-checker, asserted that Kaushik was detained for disseminating false information, dispelling rumors of abduction.