Indian YouTuber Gauravzone arrested for Filming at Holy Site

Delhi-based YouTuber Gauravzone was arrested by Mathura police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

According to the police, the Indian YouTuber had entered the premises of a Vrindavan temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh without permission to record a video.

Temple authorities issued a complaint that resulted in Gauravzone’s arrest.

He was arrested at his residence in Delhi on November 14, 2021.

Superintendent of Police (City) Martand Prakash Singh said:

“On November 6, accused Gaurav climbed the walls of Nidhivan Raj Mandir and made a video which went viral on social media.

“A complaint was submitted in connection with the video and he was arrested from Delhi.

“The video has been taken down from his channel and the accused has been sent to judicial custody.

“While Sharma has been sent to judicial custody, efforts to nab his associates are on.”

According to the police, the Indian YouTuber was visiting his uncle in Mathura when he was told that no one enters the Nidhivan temple at night.

Gauravzone, along with his cousin Prashant and friends Mohit and Abhishek, entered the temple to film a video.

The YouTuber entered the temple with his shoes on whilst the others waited outside to keep guard.

On November 9, 2021, the YouTuber uploaded the video which instantly went viral.

Gaurav said:

“I had visited my uncle’s place in Mathura on November 6.”

“My cousin Prashant told me that there is a place in Vrindavan, where no one enters at night, as it is believed that misfortune strikes those who do so.

“I decided to make a video of the area and arrived at the Nidhivan around midnight with my cousin and friends and after shooting the video for 15-20 minutes, we came out.”

Temple authorities objected to the video, calling it an attempt to dissect the sanctity of a place of worship.

An FIR was filed under section 295A (acts intended to outrage religious feelings) of the IPC and section 66 of the IT Act at the Vrindavan police station.

The Indian YouTuber had previously been arrested in May 2021 by Delhi police for tying helium balloons to his dog, Dollar, for a video.

A case was lodged against Gauravzone under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code, the Disaster Management Act and relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act.

Following his arrest, Gauravzone uploaded a video in which he apologised and explained that adequate safety measures had been taken.

He also said that he would not repeat it.