Tripura CM directs DGP to coordinate with Delhi Police over racial slurs against youth

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has directed the state's Director General of Police to coordinate directly with Delhi Police after a video showing an online content creator mocking a young man from the state sparked public anger.

The footage, which circulated widely across social platforms, shows Delhi influencer Amir Shokeen taunting a tribal youth from Tripura's Gomati district. In the clip, Shokeen asks whether the young man is the president of a neighbouring country, labels him "Chinese", and derides the name of Tripura after the youth clarifies that he is an Indian citizen.

Saha made clear that the law will take its course, ensuring state authorities step in immediately to safeguard citizens' dignity and prevent communal tensions from escalating.

Swift police coordination

The state government moved quickly to engage law enforcement across jurisdictions. Saha instructed the Director General of Police to work alongside Delhi Police so investigators can examine the recording and take appropriate legal steps.

Political and community representatives across Tripura backed the call for firm administrative accountability:

Youth Tipra Federation general secretary James Debbarma, an elected member of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, confirmed that the group submitted an official complaint over hate speech and derogatory remarks.

Influencer issues apology as groups urge accountability

Following the backlash, Shokeen published an apology video on Facebook, claiming the interaction was scripted and that the youth was an acquaintance who worked at a friend's cafe in Ahmedabad.

"I did not intend to insult the people of Tripura, and I apologise if my words hurt anyone," Shokeen said in the video.

Regional youth bodies rejected the explanation that ethnic mockery could be dismissed as digital entertainment. The National People's Youth Front, the youth wing of the National People's Party, emphasised that remarks ridiculing ethnic identity and regional origins run counter to constitutional guarantees of equality and fraternity.

National president Nickey Nongkhlaw stated that citizens moving across states for work or education deserve equal dignity and safety. Student leaders from the Twipra Students' Federation said they are working to identify the young man to assist in formal proceedings with Delhi authorities.

By directing an immediate administrative and police response, the state government has sought to reassure the public that regional harmony and constitutional rights remain firmly protected.