Former BBC Reporter Huda Zariwala Arrested in Saharanpur Over Remarks on Mosque Demolition

India: Saharanpur Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested Huda Zariwala, a former Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson, YouTuber, social activist and former BBC reporter, over alleged provocative remarks made following the demolition of a mosque on the Collectorate premises.

Zariwala was taken into custody on Monday evening after she arrived at the Saharanpur Circuit House to protest the demolition. Police stopped her from entering the premises and subsequently arrested her.

The case was registered at Sadar Bazar Police Station on the complaint of advocate Dushyant Singh. The complaint alleged that Zariwala made “objectionable, indecent and provocative” remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and local administrative officials in a video circulated on social media.

In the video, Zariwala reportedly described the demolition as a “criminal activity” and said that a mosque belonging to Muslims had been “martyred.” She also questioned who had authorised the demolition and said that the Muslim community would not remain silent.

Police officials confirmed her arrest, with Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Vyom Bindal among those verifying the action. Officials said the case was registered in view of the alleged remarks and the sensitivity of the matter.

Zariwala was produced before a court and subsequently sent to jail. The case will now proceed according to the legal process.

Videos circulating on social media show Zariwala in police custody accompanied by women police officers, while another video shows her addressing media representatives before her arrest.

Zariwala has previously served as an AAP spokesperson and worked as an anchor with a media organisation in London. She currently identifies herself as a social activist and YouTuber.

The demolition of the structure on the Collectorate premises had already been the subject of administrative and legal proceedings. The allegations against Zariwala remain subject to the ongoing judicial process.