Jaanmoni Das, Transgender Makeup Artist, Arrested in Kerala Over Remarks Against PM Narendra Modi
Transgender makeup artist and social media influencer Jaanmoni Das was arrested by the Kozhikode Cyber Police on Thursday following allegations of making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his family.
Transgender makeup artist and social media influencer Jaanmoni Das was arrested by Kozhikode Cyber Police on Thursday over alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his family. Police also summoned and arrested two others who had shared the video containing the alleged remarks on social media. All three were later released on bail after questioning and other procedures were completed, India Today reported.
Case Linked to NEET Protest
The case stems from a video in which Das allegedly made the remarks in connection with protests over the NEET question paper leak. The video was subsequently circulated widely on social media, triggering controversy. A complaint was filed on July 27 by BJP Mahila Morcha state president Navya Haridas, following which Kozhikode Cyber Police registered a case. PM Narendra Modi Promises More Strict Actions Against Paper Leaks in Video Message.
Transgender Jaanmoni Das Speaks After Getting Bail
VIDEO | Keralam: After getting station bail over alleged remarks against PM Narendra Modi, make-up artist Jaanmoni Das says, "...See, it is not mandatory that everyone will love you. Some people will love me, some people will hate me..."
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/o01bDvjhS4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 20, 2026
Charges Under BNS, Kerala Police Act
Police registered the case under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to provocation with intent to cause a riot, and Section 356(2), concerning criminal defamation. Section 120(o) of the Kerala Police Act, relating to causing nuisance through communication, was also invoked. Police said the offences are bailable.
Jaanmoni Das Had Earlier Apologised
The controversy had earlier prompted Das to post an apology on social media. She said her remarks were the result of limited knowledge of the language and maintained that she had not intended to hurt anyone. Speaking to reporters after leaving the police station, Das said she had provided investigators with the information they sought. ‘Abuses Never Solve Anything’: PM Narendra Modi Says He Forgives Students in Instagram Video After Jantar Mantar Protest.
She also alleged that the case was connected to her participation in a protest in New Delhi over the NEET question paper leak. Das claimed that she had translated into another language what another person had said in Hindi and that the words in the disputed video were not originally hers.
Two Others Also Arrested
According to police, two other individuals who shared the video on social media were also summoned and arrested as part of the investigation. After evidence collection, interrogation and other formalities, all three were released on bail. The investigation into the social media content and the circumstances surrounding its circulation is continuing.
Jaanmoni Das’ Public Profile
Das, a transgender makeup artist and social media personality, gained wider public recognition after appearing on a popular Malayalam reality television show. The latest case has brought her into the spotlight amid the continuing political and public debate surrounding the NEET examination controversy and protests linked to it.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2026 11:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
