Minor thanks PM Modi for forgiveness after Jantar Mantar remarks
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A 15-year-old girl, allegedly booked for using objectionable language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, said on Saturday, 1 August that the Prime Minister's public forgiveness felt like a 'second life' for her. The minor, a Class 10 student, expressed gratitude after Modi posted a video message on his official Instagram account on Friday, stating he wished to forgive all children who had abused him and his late mother.
What the Minor Said
Speaking to reporters, the girl said she had been approached by several YouTubers present at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation at Jantar Mantar, who urged her to speak on the paper leak issue, framing it as her 'freedom of expression.' She claimed she was told the video clip would not be posted.
'I was provoked by people there... people were saying many things. I felt that some of those things made sense. Then I spoke according to whatever I was told,' she said. She added that she had since apologised, acknowledging that what she said was 'very wrong.'
'I am very happy that PM Modi has forgiven me. It is a very big thing for me. In a way, I have got a second life. I made such a big mistake, and I never thought I would be forgiven,' she said.
FIR Filed With Allegedly Fake Details
The minor, however, alleged that the First Information Report (FIR) lodged against her contained a fake name, fake age, and a fake address. 'Neither I am Ruchika Singh, nor I am 25 years old. I am 15 years old,' she stated, appealing for action against those who allegedly framed false charges against her.
She further said that despite Prime Minister Modi's public forgiveness on Friday, the case has not been formally withdrawn. 'Police came to my house even today, they are searching for me everywhere as if I have committed a crime,' she said.
Threats and Safety Concerns
The girl disclosed that she has been receiving rape and acid attack threats from unknown numbers since the incident, and that her mobile number was reportedly leaked online. 'I am being clearly told that wherever they see me, they will rape me and throw me into a drain. I am unable to tolerate all this anymore,' she said.
This comes amid a broader climate of online harassment targeting individuals involved in political protests, raising concerns about the safety of minors caught in such situations.
Mother Appeals for Protection
The girl's mother acknowledged that her daughter had made a mistake but strongly condemned the threats directed at the child. 'Are those people right who are telling a 15-year-old girl that four people would rape her? My daughter made one mistake, but you are making such disgusting remarks. Is all this right?' she said.
The mother also appealed to authorities to provide shelter and security for both herself and her daughter. 'If something happens to us, some anti-social elements will blame the Prime Minister for it, which should not happen,' she added, urging swift protective action.
What Happens Next
The case raises questions about the legal standing of the FIR, particularly given the minor's claim that it was filed under a false identity. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed whether the case will be withdrawn following the Prime Minister's public gesture of forgiveness. The girl's safety, amid continuing threats, remains an immediate concern.