Etawah (Uttar Pradesh): In a case that has sparked outrage and raised questions about parental oversight in social media use among children, a 12-year-old girl from Etawah has been sent to a juvenile home after she allegedly uploaded a video containing derogatory remarks against Hindu deities. Her parents were arrested for their alleged role in encouraging and enabling the act, police said on Tuesday.

The one-minute video, uploaded on a social media platform on October 27, quickly went viral and triggered protests by several Hindu organisations in the area, who demanded immediate legal action. Authorities said the content of the video was inflammatory and capable of inciting communal tension.

Investigation Reveals Parents’ Involvement

Etawah police launched an investigation soon after the clip surfaced online. According to officials, the probe revealed that the minor had created and posted the video with the full knowledge and encouragement of her parents — identified as Mohammad Shabbir alias Sabir and his wife Shameena — and an Instagram acquaintance named Asif, a resident of Azad Nagar Tila.

City Circle Officer (CO) Abhay Nath Rai said that preliminary findings indicated the video was not created out of ignorance but was part of a deliberate attempt to gain followers and earn money through online engagement.

“During investigation, it was found that the girl made the video intentionally to increase her social media following and income. Her parents were aware of the act but chose not to intervene,” said Rai.

He added that the viral video had led to considerable public anger, forcing the police to act swiftly to prevent any escalation of communal tension.

FIR Registered Under BNS Provisions

Based on the findings, an FIR was registered at the Friends Colony police station on November 2 under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — the section pertaining to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, caste, or community.

Sub-Inspector Saurabh Singh, the investigating officer in the case, said that the minor’s parents were arrested and have been sent to jail, while the girl was handed over to a Child Welfare Officer and subsequently sent to a juvenile home.

Social Media Influence and the Minor’s Statement

During questioning, the girl reportedly told police that she created the video at the suggestion of her parents and Asif, who assured her that controversial content would attract more followers and bring financial rewards through online popularity.

Police officials said that this revelation highlights a worrying trend of minors being manipulated into creating provocative or harmful content online, often under adult supervision.

“The girl said she made the video under their influence and was told that it would help her become popular and earn money. Such cases show the risks of unmonitored social media use by children,” said Sub-Inspector Singh.

Authorities are now trying to trace and arrest Asif, who is currently absconding. Police suspect he may have encouraged or assisted the minor in uploading the video from a fake or secondary account.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications

The video’s circulation led to widespread protests in Etawah, with local groups demanding stern action against those responsible for hurting religious sentiments. Police presence in the affected neighborhoods was briefly increased to maintain law and order.

Officials have also cautioned residents and social media users against sharing or reposting the video, warning that doing so could attract legal action under the same penal provisions.

Legal experts noted that while the minor’s case will be handled under the Juvenile Justice Act, her parents could face harsher penalties if found guilty of abetting the act. “When parents knowingly involve a minor in the creation or dissemination of hate or derogatory content, it amounts to criminal complicity,” said a senior lawyer familiar with digital offenses.

Broader Context: Online Radicalization and Child Safety

The incident has reignited debates about the exposure of children to unregulated online spaces. Experts point out that increasing access to social media, coupled with poor digital literacy, can lead minors to imitate or create harmful content for attention or monetary gain.

Child rights activists have urged authorities to strengthen awareness programs on responsible internet use and parental monitoring. “This is not just a law-and-order issue; it’s a social one. Parents need to understand the influence of online trends and the risks they pose for impressionable children,” said a local activist.

Current Status

As of Tuesday, police confirmed that Asif remains untraceable, and efforts are underway to locate him. The arrested parents, meanwhile, are expected to face court proceedings later this week. The 12-year-old will remain in a juvenile home under supervision until further orders from the Child Welfare Committee.

Officials said they are also reviewing the girl’s social media activity to determine whether she had posted similar content in the past. “Our priority is to ensure such incidents are not repeated. We are focusing on both accountability and rehabilitation,” an officer said.