Haldwani: A controversy has erupted in Uttarakhand after local blogger Jyoti Adhikari was arrested for making insulting remarks against the state’s culture, deities, and women of Kumaon.
Jyoti’s gave this statement when she was addressing the protestors in Ankita Bhandari case, brandishing a sickle in a public place. The arrest followed widespread anger among residents after her video went viral on social media.
A woman filed a complaint against her
The case began when Juhi Chufal, a resident of Unchapul Himmatpur Malla, filed a complaint at Mukhani police station. She alleged that Jyoti used abusive language in a public meeting and made derogatory comments about women and goddesses while brandishing a sickle.
Earlier, police served a notice at Jyoti’s home and summoned her to record her statement. She was interrogated for nearly five and a half hours. SP City Manoj Katyal confirmed her arrest, stating that an FIR has been registered under five sections, including hurting religious sentiments.
Viral video sparks outrage
In the video circulating online, Jyoti Adhikari, wife of Gopal Singh Adhikari from Haripur Lalmani Kishanpur Ghuddauda in Haldwani, is seen waving a sickle in a public place. She allegedly used foul language against Uttarakhand’s women, culture, and deities.
Her remarks about Kumaoni women—claiming they “lack sharpness” and “dance in fairs”—were widely condemned. The video sent a wrong message to society, according to complainants, and hurt religious sentiments.
Second complaint in Rudrapur
The controversy spread beyond Haldwani. In Rudrapur, Mamta Tripathi, wife of TD Tripathi from Bagwada, filed another complaint. She accused Jyoti of insulting Hindu gods, goddesses, and women by brandishing a sickle and using abusive language.
Mamta emphasized her respect for Uttarakhand’s culture and women power, saying Jyoti’s remarks were unacceptable and deeply offensive. Police registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the matter.
Public reaction
The incident has triggered widespread anger among women and the general public. Many residents expressed that such derogatory comments damage the dignity of Kumaoni women and insult the traditions of Uttarakhand. Local elders and community leaders have demanded strict action, saying that freedom of speech should not be misused to spread hate or insult cultural values.
Police action
According to Mukhani Station House Officer Sushil Joshi, Jyoti’s statement was recorded for nearly four hours before her arrest. The police have assured that the matter will be investigated thoroughly and legal action will follow.
The arrest of blogger Jyoti Adhikari highlights growing concerns about offensive content on social media and its impact on society. With multiple FIRs filed and public outrage continuing, the case has become a major talking point in Uttarakhand.
In a significant move following public outcry, the Uttarakhand Police arrested a blogger in the first week of January 2026 for allegedly insulting Kumaoni culture, local deities, and the women of the Kumaon region in a viral video.
The incident sparked massive protests across districts like Almora, Nainital, and Haldwani, with locals demanding strict action for hurting religious and cultural sentiments.
The Incident and Arrest
The Content: The blogger, identified as Suraj Singh (popularly known as Suraj Rawat in some reports), uploaded a video on social media platforms where he used derogatory language against Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi, the patron goddesses of the Kumaon region.
Insults to Women: The video also contained highly offensive remarks regarding the traditional attire, lifestyle, and character of Kumaoni women, which was seen as a direct attack on the dignity of the local community.
Police Action: Following multiple FIRs filed in Haldwani and Almora, the Uttarakhand Police tracked the blogger to Delhi, where he was apprehended and brought back to the state on transit remand.
Charges and Legal Action
The blogger has been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (formerly IPC) and the IT Act:
Section 299 (BNS): Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
Section 196 (BNS): Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, or language.
Section 353 (BNS): Statements conducing to public mischief.
Information Technology Act: Sections related to the transmission of obscene or defamatory content online.
Public and Political Reaction
Outrage: Local cultural organizations and women’s groups held "Aakrosh Rallies" (protest marches), burning effigies of the blogger and calling for a permanent ban on his social media handles.
Government Stance: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami commented on the matter, stating that "insulting the 'Devbhoomi' (Land of Gods) and its culture will not be tolerated under any circumstances," and assured the public of a fast-track investigation.
The Blogger’s Defense: Before his arrest, the blogger reportedly posted a "half-hearted" apology video claiming his words were "misinterpreted" and part of a "satirical take," which only further fueled the public’s anger.
Current Status: The accused is currently in judicial custody. The Cyber Cell is also investigating whether there was any external provocation or organized effort to disrupt communal harmony in the hill state.
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