Patna: Mani Meraj, a popular comedian and YouTuber from Bihar, was arrested by Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday in the Anisabad area of Patna, following allegations of sexual assault, fraud, and religious coercion.
The allegations come from Vandana, known online as Vannu Di Great, who claims that Meraj befriended her around two and a half years ago while concealing his existing marriage. Vandana alleges that Meraj attempted to drug her with a sedative in a cold drink to force sexual intercourse, and later lured her into a relationship with the promise of marriage.
According to Vandana, the couple married secretly a few days later, with Meraj instructing her to keep the marriage hidden. She claims that during the relationship, she was coerced into an abortion and pressured to convert her religion. Vandana further alleged that Meraj forced her to eat beef.
Meraj’s lawyer, Shivanand Bharti, rejected the allegations, describing the case as a dispute arising from a live-in relationship rather than sexual assault. He claimed that a “well-planned conspiracy” was underway to tarnish the YouTuber’s reputation.
Meraj was taken into custody after police surrounded him as he approached his car outside a friend’s flat in Anisabad. Due to missing documents, the Uttar Pradesh police were denied a transit remand, and a court hearing is scheduled for 3pm on Monday. He remains in custody at Patna’s Gardanibagh police station.
The case has sparked widespread discussion on social media and in local political circles, with questions being raised about both the arrest process and the handling of evidence.
