New Delhi: YouTuber Gulzar Sheikh has been arrested following allegations that he placed various objects on railway tracks, including cycles, soaps, and stones, as part of his content creation. The arrest followed a complaint filed by the Legal Hindu Defence, with BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla announcing the news on X (formerly Twitter).

The Controversy Unfolds
The controversy surrounding Sheikh began when an X user known as “TrainWaleBhaiya” shared a video depicting Sheikh’s dangerous activities. The video showed Sheikh placing random objects on railway tracks, endangering passengers and potentially causing serious accidents. The user highlighted the severe risks posed to train passengers, stating, “This is Mr. Gulzar Sheikh from Lalgopalganj, UP, who puts random things in front of trains for YouTube money, putting the lives of thousands of passengers in danger.”

Legal and Public Response
The post quickly gained traction and prompted urgent calls for action from Indian Railways and local authorities. Shehzad Poonawalla confirmed Sheikh’s arrest, condemning his actions as acts of “Rail Jihad.” Poonawalla, who recently established the Legal Hindu Defence, filed the complaint against Sheikh, citing violations of several legal provisions.

Charges and Legal Framework
The complaint against Sheikh references multiple legal violations under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, which addresses risks of public mischief and potential threats to railway safety. Specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, The Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966, and the IT Act, 2000, were invoked to underscore the seriousness of the offenses committed by Sheikh.

Implications and Next Steps
Sheikh’s actions have sparked widespread concern over content creators’ responsibility and the safety measures required to prevent similar incidents. The arrest serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with reckless content creation and the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols.

As the investigation continues, the case highlights the importance of balancing creative content with public safety and adhering to legal standards to protect lives and property.