In yet another instance of the courts setting free YouTubers arrested by the DMK government, Karthik Gopinath was granted bail in the case relating to the money raised by him for renovating temples at Siruvachur.
Karthik Gopinath, a prominent Tamil YouTuber who runs the Ilaya Bharatham YouTube channel, was arrested by the Tamil Nadu police on Monday (May 30, 2022).
Karthik who identifies himself as a nationalist, is known for his videos criticising the DMK.
He was arrested over the issue of raising money for temples at Siruvachur in Perambalur district where idols were vandalized in the months of October and November 2021.
It was reported that Karthik Gopinath had collected funds through fund-raising app Milaap to renovate the desecrated temples at Siruvachur.
However there has been debate over his collection of money for a temple under HR&CE control.
Elements supportive of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu used the issue to launch a witch-hunt against the YouTuber.
A police complaint was filed following which Karthik was arrested on the morning of May 30. He was charged with sections 420 and 409 of the India Penal Code.
The Court felt it fit to grant him bail and did not find merit in Tamil Nadu police’s argument to even grant police custody for interrogation.
Meanwhile the case filed to quash the FIRs against the YouTuber will be heard on Monday (June 13, 2022).
This is not the first time that the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu was made to bite dust by the courts.
In December 2021, the Madras High Court quashed the Goondas Act against Kishore following which he was released from prison.
Another popular DMK-critic YouTuber Maridhas who was arrested on December 9, 2021 was set free by the Madras High Court after it had quashed the FIRs registered against him.
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