YouTuber Sameer appears for questioning before investigation officer

MANGALURU: YouTuber Sameer M D, who created an AI-generated video on the Dharmasthala alleged mass burial issue and faced backlash, finally appeared for questioning at the Belthangady police station on Sunday. Sameer, had earlier been granted anticipatory bail by a court, arrived at the police station accompanied by his lawyer.

Sameer, who had said he would come for questioning at 10.30 am, appeared with his lawyer at 1 pm. Wearing sunglasses, Sameer appeared for questioning with a smile.

The police had registered several cases against Sameer, including charges of promoting enmity and rioting, after he made provocative statements and spread misinformation about the Dharmasthala issue on his YouTube channel ‘Dhootha’.

Sameer had allegedly created a fake narrative, including fabricating a character named ‘Bheema’ and a fictional woman named Ananya Bhat, to tarnish the reputation of the temple town its devotees. The YouTuber had also called for people to take to the streets and protest, which led to the registration of cases against him.

Sameer’s videos were alleged to have received funding, and he was accused of creating content to garner likes and views. The police are now investigating the matter further.