Krishna district police has invoked the UAPA Act against the YouTuber

Gannavaram police in Krishna district invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) against YouTuber Bachalakuri Joseph alias Prashna Ravan and arrested him on Sunday. The police questioned him before taking him to court. They have arranged tight security at the Gannavaram police station.

Following a complaint lodged by G Shiva Kumar alleging that Ravan had made comments promoting the CPI-Maoist ideology and made an inflammatory speech during the Dalita Samara Shankaravam held in Eluru recently, the police registered a case.

Police have also registered cases against the YouTuber under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act Section 147 (attempt to wage war against the Government of India or to wage war against the Government of India), Section 148 BNS (conspiracy to commit an offense threatening the Indian state and government), Section 192 BNS (deliberate provocation with intent to create riots) and other charges.

Meanwhile, defense attorney Jada Sravan accused the government of invoking the UAPA and other serious allegations against Joseph.

The Andhra Pradesh police had earlier registered cases against the YouTuber for allegedly making inappropriate comments on Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan. Pithapuram police arrested Joseph from his Hyderabad residence on June 30. Later, Sarpavaram, Payakaraopeta and Machilipatnam police registered four cases against the YouTuber in just four days. However, he was granted bail in all four cases.

The Gannavaram police produced Ravan in court on Sunday evening.

Published – 05 Jul 2026 21:17 IST