Ruchika Singh missing after PM abuse case, mother speaks out
Ruchika Singh, 25, remains missing after a Zero FIR over alleged abusive remarks against PM Modi, her mother claims.
The controversy surrounding the Jantar Mantar protests over the alleged NEET paper leak has taken a dramatic turn, with 25-year-old Ruchika Singh, accused of making abusive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reportedly missing. As police continue efforts to trace her, her mother has publicly apologised, saying the family deeply regrets the incident and is under tremendous stress.
How the controversy began
The case stems from a video that surfaced during the CJP-led student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The clip allegedly showed Ruchika Singh using abusive and offensive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video quickly spread across social media, triggering widespread outrage and demands for legal action.
Acting on a complaint filed by Supreme Court advocate Smriti Chandel, Noida Police registered a Zero FIR against Ruchika under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to intentional insult, public mischief and defamation. Since the alleged offence occurred in Delhi, the case was later marked for transfer to Delhi Police for further investigation.
The FIR transformed what had begun as a protest controversy into a criminal investigation, placing Ruchika at the centre of a nationwide political debate.
Mother’s emotional apology
As police attempted to locate Ruchika, her mother came forward with an emotional appeal, expressing regret over the incident.
According to media reports, she said the family had already submitted an apology letter to the police soon after the FIR was registered.
“We have already given an apology letter to the police officials. We are very sorry about what has happened,” she was quoted as saying.
She also expressed concern that the controversy had affected the reputation of the salon where Ruchika had previously worked, saying the business had been unnecessarily dragged into the matter.
Her remarks reflected the emotional toll the controversy has taken on the family, which has remained largely out of public view since the video went viral.
Police unable to locate Ruchika
One of the biggest questions surrounding the case is Ruchika Singh’s whereabouts.
Police teams reportedly visited addresses linked to her in both Faridabad and Noida but found no trace of either Ruchika or her immediate family members.
Officials said Ruchika belongs to Faridabad’s Uncha Gaon and lives with her family there. Earlier this year, she had also purchased a flat in Lotus Zing Society in Noida’s Sector 150.
However, residents and security staff at the housing society reportedly told investigators that neither Ruchika nor her mother had been seen since the controversy erupted. The apartment remained locked during police visits.
Similarly, attempts to contact the family at their Faridabad residence were unsuccessful.
Police have described the family as currently “untraceable” and are coordinating with both Uttar Pradesh and Delhi authorities to locate her as part of the investigation.
Ruchika’s reported apology
While Ruchika has not appeared publicly since the FIR, another video attributed to her surfaced online after the controversy intensified.
In that video, she reportedly expressed regret for her remarks, describing them as “unforgivable” and saying she had spoken emotionally during the protest.
She claimed she had been influenced by the atmosphere at the demonstration and insisted that she had not uploaded the viral video herself.
Whether those statements will have any legal impact remains unclear, but they have become part of the broader public discussion surrounding the case.
Debate over free speech and accountability
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the limits of political expression during protests.
Supporters of the student movement argue that criminal cases over slogans or emotional outbursts risk discouraging democratic protest and free expression.
Critics, however, maintain that political disagreement should never cross into abusive or vulgar personal attacks, particularly when directed at constitutional office holders.
Legal experts note that the investigation will ultimately depend on evidence, applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the findings of the Delhi Police after the transfer of the case.
Family under pressure
The family’s disappearance from public view has added another layer to the controversy.
While there is no official indication that Ruchika has been harmed, her absence has fuelled speculation about whether she has deliberately gone into hiding because of the legal proceedings and intense media attention.
Her mother’s public apology suggests the family is facing considerable emotional and social pressure as the case continues to attract national attention.
Until investigators establish contact with Ruchika, several aspects of the case are likely to remain unresolved.
What happens next?
The investigation is expected to continue once Delhi Police formally takes over the case and records statements from those involved.
Authorities are expected to verify the authenticity of the viral videos, examine witness accounts and determine whether additional legal action is warranted.
For now, one question continues to dominate the discussion: Where is Ruchika Singh?
As police search for answers, the incident remains closely tied to the wider political debate surrounding the NEET paper leak protests, freedom of expression and accountability during public demonstrations. The coming days are likely to determine not only the direction of the investigation but also how this highly polarising case is ultimately viewed by the public and the courts.