Tamil YouTuber Abbishek Rabi, known as ‘Biriyani Man,’ was arrested by the Chennai cyber crime police on Monday following a complaint from a woman over indecent remarks made about women in one of his videos. Rabi, who has a substantial online presence with over 43,000 Instagram followers, has found himself in legal trouble under multiple laws including the IT Act, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986, the Sexual Harassment of Women Act 2013, and the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Violence against Women Act (TNPHW Act). The charges against him also include sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 353 (public mischief).
The controversy began when Rabi posted a video discussing dating and finding matches on dating apps, in which he made derogatory comments about women, stating that they usually have an “extreme ego” and suggesting that men need to initiate conversations on these platforms. He remarked, “Just send a Hi, I will take care of the rest and correct you.” These statements sparked outrage among viewers, leading to calls for his arrest.
In response, the Greater Chennai police took to their official social media handle to announce the arrest, urging the public to stand against online harassment and promote a safer digital environment.
Adding to the controversy, reports emerged that Rabi had attempted to take his own life on camera, which further alarmed the public and led to additional complaints. One concerned user shared a video on social media demanding Rabi’s arrest, highlighting the potential negative influence his actions could have on young viewers. The user urged the Tamil Nadu police to take strict action against such triggering content to prevent setting a dangerous precedent for impressionable audiences.
Rabi’s arrest has stirred a significant discussion on the responsibilities of social media influencers and the impact of their content on society. The case underscores the importance of promoting respectful and appropriate conduct online, especially when addressing sensitive topics like gender and relationships.