Amir Shokeen, a 24‑year‑old TikTok content creator from Delhi, uploaded a clip on 2 October that showcased him making slurs against a young man from Tripura. The clip, which quickly went viral, was condemned across the Northeast for its hateful language.
In a follow‑up video released Wednesday, Shokeen claimed the footage was scripted and that the man shown was a friend who had worked at a cafe in Ahmedabad. He insisted the exchange was meant as a joke and that he had no intention of insulting anyone.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed the video, stating that "this evil man will be punished" and that Delhi and Tripura police would "teach him a hard lesson." Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha ordered the state’s DGP to coordinate with Delhi authorities, while leaders from the CPI (M), Congress, and Tipra Motha Party demanded swift action.
Delhi Police entered Shokeen’s apartment on Thursday morning, finding him absent. The search is part of a joint operation with Tripura police, who have already lodged a formal complaint under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code.
The video sparked outrage among youths in Tripura, with two student groups filing separate complaints at Agartala police stations. The incident has reignited debate over online hate speech and the responsibilities of content creators in the digital age.
The Delhi Police Crime Branch will now review the evidence and decide whether to press charges. A joint investigation with Tripura authorities is slated to begin in the coming days, with a potential trial date set for early November.