Fake Videos Case: Bihar, Tamil Nadu Cops Might Quiz Manish Kashyap

Patna: The Bihar and Tamil Nadu police are set to interrogate Manish Kashyap, who is accused of spreading disinformation by using fake videos alleging attacks on Bihari migrant workers in Tamil Nadu (TN).

According to the police, Kashyap, the owner-cum-main anchor of YouTube news channel Sachtak, is a well-known champion of Hindutva politics and known for his closeness to some right-wing organisations. He had contested from the Chanpatia Assembly constituency as an independent in the 2020 Assembly election.

Kashyap was sent to judicial custody till March 22 by a local court after he surrendered in West Champaran on Saturday following the attachment of his house. He was absconding after three FIRs were lodged against him by Bihar Police and nine FIRs by TN Police.

Jitendra Singh Gangwar, ADG police (headquarters), told media in Patna that the police has filed an application in the court to take Kashyap on remand for interrogation on the basis of certain evidences found in the case.

“If the court allows police remand, Kashyap will be interrogated by Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU). Subsequently, a team of the Tamil Nadu Police camping here will might take Kashyap on transit remand to the state for interrogation,” Gangwar said.

Kashyap made and uploaded the fake videos, according to EOU officers, at a rented house in the state capital, which caused panic, fear, trouble and tension.

A senior EOU official told Newsclick that Kashyap was financially supported by five Patna-based coaching centres, including one run by “Khan Sir”, who is famous for coaching students for competitive examinations using YouTube and digital media.

“The EOU is investigating the financial transaction made to Kashyap’s Sachtak Foundation and his YouTube channel by these coaching centres, which are on the radar. Our team has already quizzed the owner of a coaching centre called IAS Academy,” the official said.

These coaching centres had put up banners and hoardings in Kashyap’s support after his name surfaced in thew case of spreading disinformation.

Last week, the EOU froze Rs 42 lakh in Kashyap’s four bank accounts. The agency is also likely to quiz a Bollywod actor for his closeness and help to Kashyap.

According to the police, more than six cases are pending against Kashyap, who was an accused in an attack on Kashmiri shopkeepers in Patna and reportedly involved in hate crimes as well. After the police recently lodged a case against him, he threatened Bihar deputy chief minister (CM) Tejashwi Yadav of finishing his dream of becoming CM.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Kashyap’s supporters protested in West Champaran demanding his release and shouted slogans against the police, CM Nitish Kumar and Yadav. His supporters have also performed a temple ritual for his release.