Who is Ashwamit Gautam, and what put his Instagram videos under scrutiny?

Instagram videos of a 14-year-old from Lucknow have drawn legal attention, pushing his content into the centre of a wider debate.

A case involving a teenage social media creator from Lucknow has recently come under scrutiny after police reportedly registered an FIR linked to videos shared on Instagram that criticised government policies. The matter has attracted attention largely because it involves a 14-year-old and raises questions around how online political expression, especially by minors, is being viewed by law enforcement.

The creator at the centre of the case is Ashwamit Gautam, a student who has built a significant following online by speaking about issues such as unemployment, inflation and social inequality. His videos have travelled far beyond his immediate circles, largely because of his raw, unscripted way of speaking and his focus on everyday problems rather than entertainment-driven trends. He often describes himself as a citizen voicing concern, not as a journalist or political figure, and his content reflects a “common man” perspective aimed at highlighting what he sees as systemic failures.

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Why is Ashwamit in the spotlight?

According to reports, the FIR was filed after complaints were raised about the tone and content of some of his videos, which were seen as critical of the administration. While authorities have not publicly outlined all the legal sections involved, the case is said to relate to social media clips that were considered objectionable or inflammatory. The lack of detailed official information has also contributed to confusion around the nature of the allegations.

On January 19, as the videos continued to circulate online, Ashwamit posted a fresh reel responding to the situation, claiming that portions of his earlier content were being shared in an edited and misleading form. He said the clips had been taken out of context and repackaged with a false narrative, which, according to him, directly resulted in complaints being filed against him.

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A post shared by Ashwamit Gautam (@ashwamitlifestyle)

Following the circulation of these clips, he was reportedly detained under Section 151 of the Criminal Procedure Code, a preventive provision that allows the police to act if they believe an offence may occur. He was later released as he is a minor, while his elder brother was allegedly detained for nearly 24 hours in connection with the same matter. Reports also indicate that the complaint includes references to IPC Section 295, which deals with actions that may hurt religious sentiments.

Since news of the FIR emerged, the case has triggered a wider conversation online, with digital rights activists and social media users questioning whether legal action against a teenage creator amounts to intimidation or overreach. Others, however, argue that creators with large audiences must be mindful of how their words can be interpreted and amplified.

As the investigation continues, Ashwamit has maintained that the action against him is an attempt to suppress criticism. The episode now sits at the intersection of free speech, online accountability and the growing political visibility of young creators in India.

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