An FIR has been registered against Punjab based Youtuber and Gamer Paras Singh for using racist slurs against Arunachal Pradesh Congress MLA Ninong Ering in a video.
Earlier, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the MLA had urged the Central Government to ban the re-entry of PUBG to India under a new name Battlegrounds Mobile India. In the letter, Ering argued that the new game is a threat to the citizens' privacy, especially children and that it is a threat to cybersecurity in the country.
Singh was irked by Ering's letter and uploaded a video on his Youtube channel named 'Paras Official' expressing his anger. Singh, in the video, commented that Ering is a “non-Indian” and that he “looks Chinese”.
Singh also searched Arunachal Pradesh on a map and commented that it is part of China with little connection to India.
The video went viral, and Singh faced severe backlash from social media for his comments. The comments from the social media users prompted Singh to upload a second video in which he is seen apologising for his earlier remarks.
In the second video, Singh is seen saying that:
“I know I have erred. What more do I do? Hang myself? I had uploaded a video yesterday, in which I had said something inappropriate at one point and I am sorry for it. I have deleted all those comments from the video. I had also pinned a comment on the same video admitting to my mistake. And I will be careful hereon."
Singh also said that he and his family are being abused for his remarks in the comments. He appealed to fellow netizens to refrain from insulting his family for his mistake. Singh also said that he is just a "kid" who acted out of rage.
Another video was also uploaded, which shows Singh's Mother apologising for her son's mistake. She also said that Singh was taken away from their place by unknown persons and that he is missing.
Talking to the media, Ering commented that the immature comments had not hurt him personally but making racist comments is a severe offence.
Ering has registered a complaint, and an FIR was registered against Singh under Sections 124A, 153A and 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu noted on Twitter that:
“Social media account of the person is being thoroughly investigated for details about his activities. Technical resources are being employed to gather his current whereabouts. Use of social media should be with due caution and any infringement will lead to action as per law.”
