Santosh Pandit arrest: Why Pune YouTuber was picked up at 1 am; arrest video goes viral
PTC Web Desk: Pune-based activist and YouTuber Santosh Pandit, who is known for raising questions about civic issues and development projects in the city, has been arrested following a complaint over alleged obscene and abusive remarks against women.
The police reportedly picked up Pandit from his residence at around 1 am on September 3 following the complaint.
According to preliminary information, Santosh Pandit had been questioning development work in Pune’s Kothrud area through his YouTube videos. Police allege that some of his videos contained obscene and abusive language.
A case was registered after a woman approached the police with a complaint against him.
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According to the FIR, the complainant claimed that Pandit’s remarks were obscene and could outrage the modesty of women. She also alleged that the comments amounted to the molestation and insult of several women.
Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against the YouTuber and subsequently arrested him.
Separate case over remarks against Chandrakant Patil
Pandit’s arrest comes days after he allegedly posted another video containing objectionable remarks about Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.
In that matter, the police had registered a case against two persons following a complaint by former BJP corporator Sunil Pandey.
The complaint alleged that the video criticised public representatives for failing to address issues raised by citizens. However, Pandey claimed that the video crossed the line of criticism and contained abusive and offensive remarks against Patil.
Family records police action
Pandit’s arrest led to a tense situation outside his residence, with his family members recording the police action on video. The police team reportedly arrived in two vehicles, with some officers dressed in plain clothes.
While being taken to the police vehicle, Pandit was heard saying that police personnel had entered his house around midnight.
He then addressed a uniformed officer and said, “If I have caused you any inconvenience or if you feel I have not cooperated, I apologise. Thank you for arresting me.”
Before leaving, Pandit handed over his mobile phone, car keys and belt to his family members. He was also heard telling them that he knew which of his belongings were not required by the police.
Arrest video sparks reaction on social media
A video of the arrest has since circulated widely on social media, with several users questioning the manner and timing of the arrest.
One social media user described the incident as “killing democracy day by day”, while another questioned whether there was sufficient evidence to support the allegations against Pandit.
Another post said, “Arresting at midnight as if wanted absconding criminal.”
- With inputs from agencies
