YouTuber booked in Kerala over communal claims regarding Fort Kochi cafe

Kerala police have registered a case against YouTuber Amrit Singh Darren for allegedly circulating communal misinformation in an Instagram video. The video targeted the Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi, claiming the establishment displayed a statue of Muhammad Ali Jinnah alongside Mahatma Gandhi and primarily served beef dishes.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the video also made divisive claims regarding the religious demographics of the area and alleged that the state government receives funding from Arab nations to promote Islam. The police have booked Darren under Sections 353(2) and 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to the circulation of false information intended to promote enmity between groups and provoke riots.

The remarks have drawn sharp political reactions. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan condemned the video as an attempt to spread misinformation and divide communities, asserting that the state remains united. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan also criticized the vlogger for peddling hate for profit. Conversely, the BJP has accused the state government of practicing “selective secularism” in its response to the incident.