A teenager from Noida and her mother have reportedly been forced to change residences multiple times after she was named in an FIR filed by Noida Police on July 29, according to TOI. The complaint relates to a video in which she allegedly used profanities against PM Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar over paper leaks and education reforms.
Age Dispute Raised by Lawyer
Questioning the FIR, advocate Anil Kumar said the girl was only 14 at the time it was filed and turned 15 on August 1. He pointed out that the FIR does not mention her age and includes charges under defamation, intentional insult, and statements amounting to public mischief.
Threats Force Family to Move
The teenager, who has since issued a public apology, has reportedly been receiving rape and death threats on social media. According to her lawyer, strangers and even police personnel visited their Noida residence, prompting safety concerns.
The family initially moved to a relative’s house in Faridabad but later shifted again to an undisclosed location due to continuing threats.
Clarification on Identity
“She is a 15-year-old minor studying in Class 10 under the open schooling system from a school in Delhi, not a 25-year-old salon worker as claimed in online rumours. The name ‘Ruchika’ being circulated on social media is not her real identity,” Kumar said.
He added that her mother is a single parent who supports the family through private tuition.
Impact on Family
“Since her address was leaked in the FIR details, politically affiliated people and unruly elements began turning up at their residence, issuing direct threats, including rape threats. Fearing for their lives, they were forced to flee,” the lawyer said.
Teen’s Apology
In an earlier video interview, the teenager explained how she got involved in the situation: “They told me something wrong was happening and that I had the freedom to speak. Then I said those things. What I said was wrong. I apologised, and I will continue to apologise till my apology is accepted,” she said.
Her mother has also issued an apology.
Police Response
Noida Police registered a zero FIR and transferred it to Delhi Police, which has not registered a case so far.
A senior officer said, “The complaint can name a juvenile as well. It’s for the investigating officer to cross-check facts and take the case forward accordingly.”
[With TOI inputs]
