Social media influencer and YouTuber ‘Hindustani Bhau‘ alias Vikas Phatak on Tuesday has been arrested by the Dharavi police in Mumbai over their demand on Monday for online exams for classes 10 and 12, in view of Covid-19.
Hindustani Bhau had uploaded his video on Instagram, allegedly instigating students to assemble near the residence of Maharashtra Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad to demand the cancellation of offline exams for classes 10 and 12 on Monday. FIR has been registered against Phatak and others under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including that of rioting, Maharashtra Police Act, Disaster Management Act, and Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.
One Iqrar Khan Vakhar Khan has also been arrested in the matter.
On Monday afternoon, several hundred students protested at Ashok Mill Naka for their demands. In response, Dharavi police charged with a mild baton to stop them from moving towards the minister’s residence in the vicinity.
Arguing against holding the board exams for classes 10 and 12 in person, the students said they had studied online due to Covid restrictions.
Hindustani Bhau and others were responsible for the gathering of students, the police said.
As per the preliminary investigation, it was Bhau who had requested students to take part in the protest through his social media accounts.
“Action will be taken as per the law against anyone responsible for instigating students,” said Pranay Ashok Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone V.
According to another police official, Hindustani Bhau visited Mumbai’s Dharavi police station to request them to not stop students from reaching Gaikwad’s residence.
