Sent goons to kidnap me: Dhruv Rathee speaks out after release from detention

Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee on Sunday issued his first statement after being released from detention by Delhi Police, saying he was not merely detained but "kidnapped.""They literally sent goons to kidnap me from my own home while I was asleep," he said in a video message.I was not arrested or detained, I was KIDNAPPED. Thank you for your support, here's the full story https://t.co/gcN8cAUOmY— Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) October 11, 2026Rathee was taken into custody by Delhi Police from his house in Gurugram on Saturday, October 10, ahead of his expected participation in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP's) planned 'Jantar Mantar 2.0' protest in Delhi.In his video statement, the vocal BJP critic expressed gratitude for the love and support he received from his followers during his detention.He also sought to clear up widespread confusion around his citizenship status. Rathee held up an Indian passport before the camera while bashing a section of the mainstream media for spreading what he described as "rumours" regarding his citizenship."Here is my passport. I am, was and will remain an Indian citizen," Rathee said. He sharply dismissed "outright lies" that he claimed were used to discredit his attempts to join CJP's stir and justify his detention.Rathee asserted that he was falsely portrayed as a foreign passport holder and that he has the right to participate in protests in India."I am an Indian citizen, and I have the same rights as any ordinary citizen," the political activist said.Narrating his account of his detention, Rathee said around 20 people in plain clothes entered his house around 7 am on Saturday while he was sleeping.He claimed they took him away before he could ask who they were.Rathee said he was taken to different police stations and was not allowed to contact his lawyer or access a phone for around 22–23 hours.The YouTuber also claimed he sustained injuries while being taken out of his bedroom.He was released from detention on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, at around 3 am.According to a police source, legal action can be taken against Rathee again if he attempts to go to Jantar Mantar despite prohibitory orders.He was detained as police stepped up security across Delhi to prevent protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar for a proposed CJP-led agitation aimed at seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities related to the SIR.- Ends(With additional inputs from Arvind Ojha, PTI)