YouTube News Portal Owner Arrested for Defamation Against Ex-Army Chief V K Singh

The owner of a YouTube news portal was arrested for posting defamatory content against former Army chief and Union minister V K Singh. The arrest followed a complaint by Singh, who termed the allegations as baseless. The case is under investigation by Kavinagar police.

The owner of a YouTube-based news portal has been apprehended for allegedly disseminating defamatory content targeting former Army chief and ex-Union minister V K Singh, according to local police officials.

The arrest was executed by Kavinagar police following a complaint filed by Singh, the erstwhile Ghaziabad MP, on Sunday evening, a senior officer disclosed.

Individuals named in the case include the portal's editor-in-chief, Ran Singh, and a local iron trader, Anand Prakash, accused of making the unfounded claim about Singh.

The YouTube channel is alleged to have posted unverifiable claims that Singh defaulted on paying rent during his tenure at his residence.

Singh labeled the post as 'baseless' and devoid of factual support in his complaint, stating, 'The post has tarnished my image both nationally and internationally, in Uttar Pradesh and the broader society. This cannot be condoned; it has deeply hurt my sentiments. No court orders were issued, so how can a businessman post such falsehoods on social media?' City Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Kumar Singh announced the arrest of the accused YouTuber, with further investigations underway.

The FIR includes charges under BNS sections 356 (defamation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 61(2) (party to criminal conspiracy), along with provisions of the IT Act, he added.

Police are actively probing the incident to pursue legal action against those involved, Singh noted.

(With inputs from agencies.)