Noida, October 16: Noida Police on Friday dismissed social media claims that Germany-based YouTuber Dhruv Rathee had been arrested, describing the reports as false, misleading and baseless. The clarification came after several users circulated posts on X claiming that the YouTuber had been taken into custody, with some sharing a video to support their allegations.
In an official fact-check statement, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate said that Rathee had not been arrested by Noida Police. Authorities urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and advised social media users to check the authenticity of claims before sharing them.
Police also warned that people found circulating false information, misleading content or rumours could face legal action under applicable laws.
The clarification comes amid heightened attention surrounding protests over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and the role of the Election Commission. Rathee's name has been linked to the wider controversy after reports emerged about his earlier detention in connection with a proposed protest in Delhi.
According to previous reports, Rathee was detained from his residence in Gurugram's Sector 56 on Sunday amid concerns over a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar, where prohibitory orders were in force. He was reportedly kept at a crime branch office in Gurugram and released after nearly 18 hours.
A police officer had said that Rathee was released after discussions with Delhi Police, with authorities seeking to ensure that he would not join a gathering that could create law-and-order problems in an area where restrictions were imposed.
Police had cited Section 172(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which concerns the detention or removal of a person who resists or disregards a lawful direction.
The latest clarification is intended to counter confusion caused by viral posts suggesting that Rathee had been arrested again. Noida Police specifically denied that it had taken him into custody.
The episode highlights how unverified claims can spread rapidly on social media, particularly during politically sensitive developments. Police have urged users to rely on official statements and verified reporting rather than sharing claims without confirmation.
As of Friday afternoon, Noida Police had maintained that the reports of Rathee's arrest by its personnel were false.
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