YouTuber Ajeet Bharti booked in Punjab for ‘Casteist’ posts targeting CJI BR Gavai

October 8, 2025

Chandigarh: Punjab Police have registered multiple FIRs against right-wing YouTuber Ajeet Bharti and several others for allegedly making casteist and provocative remarks on social media against Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, following an attempted shoe attack on the top judge inside the Supreme Court on October 6.

According to officials, between 12 and 15 FIRs have been filed so far, naming at least 28 accused, most of them from outside Punjab. The cases invoke non-bailable sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other criminal provisions related to promoting enmity and incitement to violence.

Police sources said the main accused include Ajeet Bharti, a prominent right-wing influencer, and Kaushlesh Rai, head of a news portal. A video of the two men  allegedly discussing and condemning remarks made by the CJI about a Hindu idol in September — has gone viral in recent days. Officials claim the video contained “inciteful” language urging Hindus to act against the Chief Justice.

Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, a Dalit leader from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accused the BJP of “fostering anti-Dalit sentiment” and creating a dangerous social atmosphere.

“The attack on the Chief Justice is an attack on the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar and on millions of Dalits across India,” Cheema said at a press conference in Chandigarh.

Cheema added that the AAP government would ensure “strict legal action” against those spreading hatred and inciting violence. He also announced plans for a statewide awareness campaign on caste discrimination and constitutional values.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police said investigations are ongoing, and more FIRs could follow as evidence from social media is analyzed.