Dhruv Rathee Speaks Out After Release From Police Custody

Dhruv Rathee Speaks Out After Release From Police Custody

New Delhi, October 12, 2026: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has made serious allegations about the circumstances surrounding his detention, describing the incident as a “kidnapping” rather than a routine police detention. In a video released after his release, Rathee also addressed questions about his citizenship and criticised reports that he said had misrepresented his nationality.

Rathee was detained from his residence in Gurugram on October 10, ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. According to reports citing officials, he was released at around 3 am on October 11 and handed over to his family.

What Did Dhruv Rathee Say After His Release?

In his first video statement after being released, Rathee disputed descriptions of the incident as an arrest or detention. He alleged that people in plain clothes entered his home while he was asleep and took him away.

Rathee described the incident as a kidnapping in a message posted on social media. His statement presented his account of the events, and the allegation should not be treated as an independently established finding.

He also thanked his supporters for standing by him during the period he was held in custody. His remarks quickly drew attention to the circumstances of his detention and the wider controversy surrounding the planned protest.

Rathee Alleges He Was Denied Access to His Lawyer

Rathee claimed that around 20 people in plain clothes entered his Gurugram residence and took him away. He further alleged that he was unable to contact his lawyer or use his phone for approximately 22 to 23 hours.

According to his account, he was taken to different police locations during this period. These details reflect Rathee’s allegations. While reports confirmed his release, a detailed official response addressing all his claims was not clearly available in the reports reviewed.

Dhruv Rathee Responds to Questions About His Citizenship

Rathee also addressed speculation about his nationality. During his video statement, he displayed what he identified as his Indian passport and asserted that he was an Indian citizen.

He criticised media reports that he said had raised doubts about his nationality. Rathee argued that Indian citizens have the right to express their views and participate in peaceful demonstrations, subject to applicable law.

His response made citizenship a prominent part of the discussion following his release.

Why Was Dhruv Rathee Detained?

The detention took place ahead of a proposed protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The demonstration was intended to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest was also linked to objections surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The exercise has become a subject of political debate, with opposition groups and other critics raising concerns about the process.

Authorities had tightened security ahead of the proposed demonstration, and several people were detained as police moved to prevent the gathering from proceeding as planned. Rathee was among those taken into custody during this period.

Rathee Announces Plans for Legal Action

In a press conference reported on October 12, Rathee said he intended to pursue legal action against those responsible for the incident. He also criticised the police response to protesters and the restrictions imposed around demonstrations in Delhi.

Rathee framed the episode as a wider question concerning civil liberties, the right to peaceful protest and the functioning of public institutions.

The next significant development will be whether formal legal proceedings follow and how the authorities respond to his specific allegations.

Conclusion

Dhruv Rathee has challenged the official characterisation of his detention, alleging that he was taken from his home without adequate explanation and denied access to communication. He has also defended his Indian citizenship and announced plans for legal action.

His claims remain allegations that require assessment alongside any official account and available evidence. Further clarification from the authorities will be important in establishing the full circumstances of the incident.