Andhra Court Sends YouTuber Prashna Raavan to Judicial Custody After UAPA Charges

July 6, 2026

Vijayawada: A court in Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh, has remanded YouTuber and political commentator Bachalakuri Joseph, popularly known as Prashna Raavan, to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with a case over alleged derogatory remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

Raavan was produced before the court late on Sunday after being arrested for the fifth time in less than a week. Following the hearing, the court remanded him to judicial custody until July 18, after which he was shifted to Nellore Central Jail.

Police Invoke UAPA and BNS Provisions

The latest case was registered by Gannavaram Police based on a complaint filed by a local Jana Sena leader shortly after Raavan secured bail in the fourth case against him on July 4.

This time, police invoked stringent provisions of both the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The FIR includes charges under BNS Sections 147, 148, 152, 192, 197(1)(d), and 353(1)(b), along with Sections 13 and 39 of the UAPA.

According to police, the charges relate to allegations including criminal conspiracy, threatening public order, endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India, supporting unlawful activities, and other offences under the UAPA.

Fifth Arrest in Less Than a Week

Raavan was first arrested by Pithapuram Police on June 30 from Hyderabad for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and others during a Dalit Christian meeting held in Eluru on June 28.

Multiple complaints were subsequently filed by Jana Sena workers at different police stations across Andhra Pradesh, citing videos uploaded on Raavan’s YouTube channel, “Prashna.”

Each time he secured bail, he was arrested in another case. Following his latest release on bail, police registered a fresh case invoking UAPA, significantly reducing the possibility of immediate bail.

Wife Alleges Political Vendetta

Reacting to the latest arrest, Raavan’s wife, Anusha, alleged that her husband had merely used the same language that Pawan Kalyan himself had previously used.

She claimed that if such remarks were considered criminal, similar action should first be taken against the Deputy Chief Minister. She also alleged that morphed videos were being circulated to malign her husband.

Opposition Criticises Government

The repeated arrests have drawn criticism from the opposition YSR Congress Party and several public figures, who have accused the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government of pursuing political vendetta.

Actor Prakash Raj also criticised the state government, questioning the repeated arrests and demanding Raavan’s immediate release, alleging misuse of power.

The case remains under investigation.