New Delhi: Ruchika Singh, the teenager facing legal action over allegations that she raised abusive slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest over the NEET paper leak at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, has issued a public apology, saying she was ‘influenced” by others at the protest site.
The apology clip appeared online on Friday, only hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was willing to forgive the students accused in the Jantar Mantar row and urged people to guide them rather than demand punishment.
‘I Was influenced By Others’
In the video, Singh, who said she is 15, said she had gone to the protest site with friends and was drawn in after hearing others shouting abuses against the prime minister, as reported by Mint.
“I had gone… where a protest was taking place. There were several groups there who were abusing Prime Minister Modi. I came under their influence and ended up saying many inappropriate things,” she said.
“This is my first and last mistake, and I will never say or post anything like this again. I sincerely apologise to the entire nation. I am deeply ashamed and cannot even lift my eyes. I seek forgiveness from everyone. Please forgive me,” she added.
PM Modi Backs Leniency
In a video message posted on Instagram on Friday, Prime Minister Modi said the nation had seen what unfolded at Jantar Mantar, where some “misguided youngsters” used abusive language against him and even his late mother.
Rather than demanding harsh punishment, Modi said young people often err and should be given a chance to learn from their mistakes.
“I want to forgive them,” he said, adding that the students and their families should not be dragged through prolonged legal proceedings. Calling it a case of youthful error, he said the youngsters were “our own” and ought to be guided, not isolated.
Zero FIR Filed Over Jantar Mantar Remarks
Singh is facing legal proceedings after a Zero FIR was filed against her at Noida’s Expressway Police Station on July 29 over the alleged use of derogatory slogans during the July 23 protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The case was later moved to Delhi’s Parliament Street Police Station, which is now handling the probe, as reported by News 18.
According to the complaint, Singh allegedly used abusive remarks against PM Modi, with the allegations stating that the comments insulted the dignity of the constitutional office and were meant to stir hostility and disturb public order.
Police have booked the case under Sections 352, 353(1), and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Reports said Singh had been staying with her mother in a Noida housing society, but security staff told police that the flat has remained locked and that Singh had not been seen since the protest at Jantar Mantar.
