A teenager accused of using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the July 23 protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has issued a public apology in a video that surfaced on social media. In the clip, the girl, claiming to be 15 years old, says she regrets her actions and appeals for forgiveness, stating that she was influenced by others present at the protest.
The authenticity of the video, however, has not been independently verified.
‘I Came Under Their Influence,’ Says Teen
In the video, the teenager is seen with folded hands expressing remorse over the incident. She says she had visited Connaught Place with friends before reaching the protest site, where she joined others who were raising abusive slogans.
“I came under the influence of those people. I am only 15 years old. Whatever I did was not worthy of forgiveness. I have said a lot of bad things,” she says in the video.
Describing the incident as a lesson for life, she further adds, “This is my first and last mistake. I apologise to the entire country. I am so ashamed. I can’t even look at myself. Please forgive me.”
Apology Comes After PM Modi’s Message
The apology surfaced just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video message responding to the controversy. Referring to the abusive remarks made against him during the protest, the Prime Minister said he had chosen forgiveness over punishment and appealed to society to help guide young people.
“The abusive slogans used against me and my late mother were deeply disturbing. But young people should be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes,” PM Modi said in his address.
Police Investigation Continues
The controversy stems from slogans allegedly raised during the July 23 demonstration at Jantar Mantar. A Zero FIR was registered on July 29 at the Expressway Police Station in Noida before being transferred to the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi for further investigation.
Police have booked the accused under Sections 352, 353(1) and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the complaint, the remarks allegedly targeted the Prime Minister and were considered capable of disturbing public peace and undermining the dignity of a constitutional office.
Investigators have also visited the Noida housing society where the teenager reportedly lived with her mother. Officials said the apartment was found locked, and enquiries have been conducted with local residents as part of the ongoing investigation.
CJP Questions Criminal Action
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which organised the protest, criticised the registration of a criminal case against the teenager while distancing itself from the use of abusive language.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said, “Objectionable or derogatory language should not be condoned, but criminal prosecution over such remarks would have a chilling effect on free speech.” He argued that those who felt aggrieved should pursue civil remedies such as defamation proceedings instead of initiating criminal prosecution.
The investigation into the matter is continuing.
