The arrest however led to protests outside the police station and social media to release 'Karmu Patarkar'

Photo Credit : Sourced,

New Delhi, January 5

The Chandigarh police arrested a YouTuber ‘Karambir aka Karmu Patarkar’ and his associate for allegedly refusing to wear masks in public amid tightening Covid-19 curbs and obstructing the police to discharge their duties. 

The incident took place at Sector 37 market in Chandigarh. The police arrested Karambir and Dr Devinder Balhara from the spot. 

The Chandigarh police stated that a team from the office of SDM (south) was issuing challans to people for not wearing masks at the Sector 37 market. Karambir, who introduced himself as Karmu Patarkar, and his colleague Dr Devinder Balhara were without masks. 

When the police asked to wear masks, they declined. The duo also did not allow the police to penalise them for the offence. 

Karambir aka Karmu Patarkar from Kaithal had hit the headlines through his intense reporting on the farmers’ protest against three farm laws. His associate Devinder Balhara hails from Karnal and currently stays in Panchkula. Balhara claims to be a social reformer who busts social myths of people and society. 

The officials added that the arrests however triggered protests outside the Sector 39 police station. A large mob that gathered at the police station also went to the court in groups where the court announced judicial custody of the accused. 

The police have registered an FIR under IPC Sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty).