Haldwani: A controversy has erupted in Uttarakhand after local blogger Jyoti Adhikari was arrested for making insulting remarks against the state’s culture, deities, and women of Kumaon.
Jyoti’s gave this statement when she was addressing the protestors in Ankita Bhandari case, brandishing a sickle in a public place. The arrest followed widespread anger among residents after her video went viral on social media.
उत्तराखंड | अंकिता भंडारी मर्डर केस
सोशल एक्टिविस्ट ज्योति अधिकारी गिरफ्तार, जेल भेजी गईं !!
ज्योति पर अंकिता भंडारी के प्रदर्शन में दरांती लहराने और पहाड़ी महिलाओं के अपमान का आरोप लगा है। ये FIR भी एक महिला सोशल एक्टिविस्ट जूही चुफाल ने कराई है। pic.twitter.com/GN5E2M1ZLk
— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) January 9, 2026
A woman filed a complaint against her
The case began when Juhi Chufal, a resident of Unchapul Himmatpur Malla, filed a complaint at Mukhani police station. She alleged that Jyoti used abusive language in a public meeting and made derogatory comments about women and goddesses while brandishing a sickle.
Earlier, police served a notice at Jyoti’s home and summoned her to record her statement. She was interrogated for nearly five and a half hours. SP City Manoj Katyal confirmed her arrest, stating that an FIR has been registered under five sections, including hurting religious sentiments.
Viral video sparks outrage
In the video circulating online, Jyoti Adhikari, wife of Gopal Singh Adhikari from Haripur Lalmani Kishanpur Ghuddauda in Haldwani, is seen waving a sickle in a public place. She allegedly used foul language against Uttarakhand’s women, culture, and deities.
Her remarks about Kumaoni women—claiming they “lack sharpness” and “dance in fairs”—were widely condemned. The video sent a wrong message to society, according to complainants, and hurt religious sentiments.
Second complaint in Rudrapur
The controversy spread beyond Haldwani. In Rudrapur, Mamta Tripathi, wife of TD Tripathi from Bagwada, filed another complaint. She accused Jyoti of insulting Hindu gods, goddesses, and women by brandishing a sickle and using abusive language.
Mamta emphasized her respect for Uttarakhand’s culture and women power, saying Jyoti’s remarks were unacceptable and deeply offensive. Police registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the matter.
Public reaction
The incident has triggered widespread anger among women and the general public. Many residents expressed that such derogatory comments damage the dignity of Kumaoni women and insult the traditions of Uttarakhand. Local elders and community leaders have demanded strict action, saying that freedom of speech should not be misused to spread hate or insult cultural values.
Police action
According to Mukhani Station House Officer Sushil Joshi, Jyoti’s statement was recorded for nearly four hours before her arrest. The police have assured that the matter will be investigated thoroughly and legal action will follow.
The arrest of blogger Jyoti Adhikari highlights growing concerns about offensive content on social media and its impact on society. With multiple FIRs filed and public outrage continuing, the case has become a major talking point in Uttarakhand.