Dhruv Rathee claims kidnapping after 23-hour detention

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was released after being held for approximately 23 hours following his removal from his home in Gurugram. Rathee has characterized the incident not as a legal arrest or detention, but as a “kidnapping,” alleging that plainclothes officers forcibly entered his residence and physically pushed his mother during the encounter.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rathee claims he was not shown an arrest warrant, was denied access to a lawyer or phone, and was unable to contact his family during his time in custody.

Gurugram police stated that no formal charges or cases have been filed against him. However, authorities noted that legal action could be taken if he attempts to join protests in violation of prohibitory orders.

In a related development, the Supreme Court of India held a special hearing regarding restrictions on metro services and internet access during recent unrest. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed that internet and metro services be maintained and ordered that arbitrary or illegal detentions must not occur.