Transgender Makeup Artist Jaanmoni Das Arrested Over Remarks on PM, Released on Bail

The Kozhikode Cyber Police on Thursday (August 20, 2026) arrested transgender makeup artist Jaanmoni Das in connection with a case registered against her for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She was later released on bail, police said.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by Navya Haridas, State president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Mahila Morcha. In her complaint submitted to the District Police Chief (Kozhikode city) last month, Ms. Haridas accused Ms. Das of making objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister in a video circulated on social media, linked to a recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered under Sections 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 356(2) (criminal defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to the First Information Report, the video contained defamatory content that was circulated with the intention of causing unrest and disturbing public peace.

Following a preliminary investigation, Ms. Das was issued a notice to appear before the cyber police for questioning. She was taken into custody after being questioned and subsequently released on bail. The details of the bail conditions were not immediately available.

The controversy emerged after the video was widely shared on social media platforms. In a clarification issued earlier, Ms. Das said she was not proficient in Malayalam and that the remarks were the result of a language error. However, activists of the Mahila Morcha rejected her explanation, insisting that the remarks were intentional.

The case highlights the legal boundaries surrounding speech against public figures in India. While the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, it is subject to reasonable restrictions, including those related to defamation and public order. The police action was taken under the framework of the BNS, which replaced the Indian Penal Code in 2024.

Ms. Das, known for her work as a makeup artist and her presence on social media, has not yet issued a public statement following her release. Her supporters have called the arrest an overreach, while others have welcomed the police action as a check on offensive remarks.

The investigation is ongoing, and further legal proceedings may follow. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with social media usage, particularly when comments target public figures and have the potential to affect public order.