New Delhi, October 22: Allegations of racial harassment against a man from Tripura in a viral social media video have led Delhi Police to register a criminal case against influencer Amir Shokeen, bringing renewed attention to discrimination faced by people from Northeast India. The action follows a complaint by a Tripura students’ organisation, which alleged that the video contained ethnic slurs, humiliating treatment and conduct requiring criminal investigation.
Police registered the First Information Report (FIR) at Sadar Bazar police station under Sections 192, 196, 352 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Tripura Police have also registered a separate case under relevant legal provisions.
The Tripura Students Forum Delhi (TSF’D) had sought urgent police intervention after the video circulated on Instagram. In its complaint, the organisation alleged that the individual was subjected to sexual assault, harassment and humiliation by a social media content creator.
The forum further alleged that the video included racial slurs such as “Chinki” and “Chinese”, directed at the man because of his perceived ethnic or regional identity.
It argued that such language raised concerns about racial prejudice, personal dignity and equal treatment. The complaint also objected to allegedly derogatory references to Tripura, saying they demeaned both the individual and people from the state.
The organisation maintained that, if substantiated, the allegations would raise serious questions about bodily autonomy, personal safety and protection against racial discrimination.
The police action followed public attention to the controversy, including a social media intervention by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Shokeen, meanwhile, issued an apology after the video attracted widespread criticism.
In a Facebook statement, he claimed that the recording was scripted and involved someone he already knew. According to Shokeen, the man had previously worked at a friend’s cafe in Ahmedabad, and both participants had intended the exchange as a humorous interaction.
He denied intending to insult anyone.
Officials also said Shokeen had previously faced cases registered under Sections 323, 324, 504 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The available information does not establish the outcomes of those cases.
The allegations in the latest complaint remain subject to investigation. The police cases will examine the circumstances surrounding the recording and the conduct depicted in the video.
