New Delhi: Delhi Police are unlikely to initiate criminal proceedings against the minor girl accused of using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The development comes after a Zero FIR was initially registered by the Noida Police over the viral video and later transferred to Delhi Police for further action. While the FIR reportedly described the accused as a 25-year-old woman, the girl later stated in a public apology that she is 15 years old, prompting questions over her age and legal status.
Minor Issues Public Apology
In a video circulated on social media, the teenager expressed regret over her remarks, saying she had made the statements after being influenced by people present at the protest.
Describing the incident as her “first and last mistake,” she apologised to the country and said she deeply regretted her actions. She also appealed for forgiveness, adding that she was ashamed of her conduct.
PM Modi Calls for Forgiveness
The matter gained further attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the controversy in a social media video, urging people to respond with compassion instead of punishment.
Calling the students involved “misguided children,” the Prime Minister said that dragging young people into prolonged legal proceedings would not help resolve the situation. He appealed to society to guide them rather than seek retribution, adding that he had chosen to forgive those responsible for the abusive slogans directed at him.
Family Seeks Withdrawal of FIR
Following the Prime Minister’s remarks, the girl’s mother thanked him for showing compassion and appealed for the case against her daughter to be withdrawn.
She also urged authorities to correct the alleged discrepancy in the FIR regarding her daughter’s age and identity. Additionally, she called for stricter regulation of social media access for minors, arguing that young people can be easily influenced and should be protected from such situations.
Protest Linked to NEET Row
The incident occurred during a prolonged protest at Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators had been demanding accountability from the Centre over the NEET paper leak controversy. The agitation, which drew participation from a large number of students, concluded after the government accepted several demands raised by the protesters.
While police have not issued an official statement on the latest development, sources indicate that, considering the girl’s age and the circumstances surrounding the case, no criminal proceedings are expected to be initiated against the minor at this stage.
