Amir Shokeen's brothers condemn racist video, demand strict action
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The brothers of Amir Shokeen, a Delhi-based content creator accused of making racist and derogatory remarks against a youth from Tripura in a viral video, on Thursday, 22 October publicly condemned his conduct and demanded strict legal action against him. The two brothers said they had been living separately from Shokeen for the past 12–15 years owing to his alleged history of hooliganism.
Brothers Distance Themselves from Shokeen
Mohammad Waseem Raza, one of Shokeen's brothers, said the family had long severed ties with him. 'Although he is my younger brother, we have been living separately for the past 12–15 years because of his hooliganism. He has a bad reputation in this area. What he said and did was completely wrong. He is a goon, and strict legal action should be taken against him,' Raza said.
Raza further alleged that multiple cases had already been registered against Shokeen and noted that residents of the locality had longstanding grievances against him. Another brother, Aalishaan, also condemned the video: 'People know about all these things. I cannot say anything to him. I am 20 years older than him. If someone makes such a video, it would obviously be wrong,' he said.
The Viral Video and Its Fallout
Shokeen came under widespread criticism after a video purportedly showing him making racially derogatory remarks against a youth from Tripura spread rapidly across social media, triggering strong condemnation across the Northeast India. The clip prompted an immediate public and political backlash.
Amid the outrage, Shokeen released an apology video on Wednesday, claiming the original clip was scripted and that the individual featured in it was known to him. He alleged the man had previously worked at a friend's café in Ahmedabad and that their exchange was intended to be humorous, with both parties participating willingly. He maintained that he had no intention of insulting anyone. Critics, however, have rejected this explanation as inadequate.
Political and Administrative Response
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha directed the state's Director General of Police to coordinate with the Delhi Police. A case has since been registered against Shokeen in Tripura, and a Tripura Police team has departed for Delhi. Leaders across party lines have demanded action.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly condemned the alleged conduct. 'This evil man will be punished. There was a delay in lodging the official complaint, but Delhi Police and Tripura Police will teach him a hard lesson,' he said.
Formal Complaint Filed, FIR Sought
The Tripura Students Forum Delhi submitted a formal complaint to the Delhi Police on Thursday, seeking registration of an FIR and an urgent investigation into allegations of sexual assault, racial harassment, and humiliation of the individual featured in the viral video. This comes amid growing demands from civil society and political leaders for swift legal accountability.
With Tripura Police already en route to Delhi and multiple official complaints on record, the case is likely to move toward formal arrest proceedings in the coming days.