Overview

• Shajan Skaria, owner of a YouTube news channel, was arrested late on May 5, 2025, by Kerala Police on defamation and IT Act charges.
• Video of Skaria's bare-chested arrest went viral, drawing widespread attention and criticism on social media.
• The BJP has condemned the arrest as a violation of free speech, accusing the LDF government of targeting dissenting voices.
• Kerala Police cited accusations from a woman alleging defamatory content on Skaria's channel as the basis for the charges.
• A magistrate granted Skaria bail on May 6, 2025, while the legal proceedings against him continue.