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Chennai YouTuber nabbed for swindling money, BJP leaders oppose arrest
Karthik Gopinath was arrested by the Tamil Nadu Police on Monday for misusing public funds.

Chennai YouTuber nabbed for swindling money, BJP leaders oppose arrest

Edited by Shreya Mukherjee
May 31, 2022
11:54 am

What's the story

A Chennai-based YouTuber and social media influencer Karthik Gopinath was arrested by the Tamil Nadu Police on Monday. It is alleged that he raised funds through his YouTube channel on the pretext of renovating the Arulmigu Mathura Kaliamman Temple in Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu. However, instead of renovating the temple, he reportedly used the funds for his personal use.

Context

Why does this story matter?

This is not the first time a Tamil Nadu youth has been arrested for getting involved in shady business via YouTube. Earlier last year, one Madan Kumar was nabbed for live-streaming online games with vulgar voice-over. He also had obscene conversations with women and streamed them online. So, this increase in the number of YouTubers participating in illegal activities is a rising concern.

Details

Temple's executive officer filed complaint

The incident came to light after the executive officer of the Mathura Kaliamman Temple T Aravindhan filed a complaint with the Central Crime Branch (CCB), Avadi, Chennai. Although Gopinath asked for donations, the complaint said he apparently never asked the state government's Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department's (HR&CE Department) permission. Notably, this department is responsible for managing the said temple.

Information

Gopinath booked under sections of IPC, IT Act

The police statement read: "[Gopinath] had opened a YouTube channel [called] Ilaya Bharatham and sought public donation through a fundraising website under the pretext of renovating the statues" at the temple. "However, he organized this without getting any permission from the HR&CE Department." Gopinath has been booked under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.

Updates

Move to 'silence uncomfortable voice,' said State BJP President

State President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) K Annamalai commented on the matter. He alleged that the arrest was a tactical move on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government's part. He tweeted, "As usual @arivalayam [DMK] is resorting to intimidatory tactics when under pressure." He said the arrest "shows the level to which this [government] will go to silence an uncomfortable voice."

Twitter Post

Read Annamalai's tweet here

Information

'Will file case against police': BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy

BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy also spoke up. He said the police were "harassing our VHS [Virat Hindustan Sangam] youngster" and hence he'll file a case against them. Speaking to a portal later, he said, "There's an atmosphere of terror under DMK rule in Tamil Nadu."