Kolkata: A popular social media influencer from Kolkata was arrested on Thursday evening on charges of forcibly detaining and molesting his girlfriend.

The influencer, identified as Shamik Adhikary, who goes by the online name ‘Nonsane’, has a substantial following on social media, including around 32,000 followers on Facebook and over 1,000 on Instagram.

The 22-year-old woman alleged that Adhikary held her captive in his home for approximately 20 hours, during which she claimed she was physically assaulted, threatened, and inappropriately touched. She has filed a formal complaint with the Behala police station in south Kolkata.

According to police reports, the incident began on February 2, when the woman visited Adhikary’s home. She alleged that he detained her unlawfully from 9:30 pm that night until 5 pm the following day. During this time, she claimed she was beaten and had her clothes forcibly pulled. The dispute reportedly arose over a personal issue, and the accused allegedly threatened her.

Following the complaint, police registered an FIR under Sections 127(2), 115(2), 74, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, leading to the influencer’s arrest on Thursday. Adhikary has not made any public statement regarding the allegations.

Since news of the arrest broke, social media users have expressed outrage over the alleged incident.

Political reactions have also emerged. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya criticised the West Bengal administration, alleging that social media influencers and critics are being targeted. He claimed that activists and dissenting voices are being subjected to intimidation and legal action.

Malviya stated in a social media post:

“West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee has turned into a dictatorial regime, where valid criticism is answered not with facts or reform, but with fake, malicious FIRs and fabricated cases.”

“A social media influencer whose video highlighted how women are unsafe in Bengal has suddenly been accused of assaulting a female friend. No one knows when this alleged incident occurred or why the so-called victim never spoke earlier.”

“Bengal is watching. BJP will stand with every individual victimised. This is political persecution. And it will end.”

The police continue to investigate the matter.

IANS