YouTuber Dhruv Rathee says that he believes the Delhi Police tried to clone his iPhone with Israeli forensic software but failed because his phone ran an iOS version older than the tool could handle. Speaking on a podcast with Comedian Kunal Kamra, Rathee said that they used Cellebrite.On October 10, Delhi Police detained him, just hours ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party protest. They held him till the next morning. His and his parents' phones were confiscated. It's not just Rathee; scores of the other demonstrators and activists have seen their devices being confiscated.&nbsp;After getting his phone back, Rathee says technical experts examined it for a full day and found no spyware. He points to battery history showing the phone on charge for hours in police custody, which he reads as a sign it was connected to a computer. Though a battery log alone cannot prove data was extracted. &nbsp;Rathee's accounts have not been independently verified, and the Delhi police have not reacted to his remarks publicly, according to Internet Freedom Foundation.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-floods-board-of-peace-humanitarian-emergency-israel-1794293330472">US-backed Board of Peace warns of 'immediate humanitarian emergency' as flood inundate thousands of tents</a>The tool Cellebrite, which Rathee mentioned, is being bought widely. On November 7, IFF published a report which claimed that a Home Ministry letter dated January 20 records Home Minister Amit Shah approving the National Investigation Agency's purchase of Cellebrite's most advanced product. The approval waived Make in India rules, and the contract was awarded for about ₹4.98 crore. IFF has not seen the Minister's note itself and has filed an RTI request for it.IFF counts 15 Cellebrite listings across 11 tenders in 2026. Buyers include the Serious Fraud Investigation Office, the Department of Military Affairs, and the Kerala, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh governments. The Home Ministry cleared three Cellebrite products for the Delhi Police Crime Branch in March 2025, and the force has reportedly held Cellebrite tools since at least 2020.“As no other Company is manufacturing the software with the same name and specifications”, read the NIA record of the bid, as quoted by the IFF report. Its Proprietary Article Certificate, issued under Rule 166 of the General Financial Rules and naming M/s Cellebrite DI Ltd. of Petah Tikva, Israel, as the sole developer and proprietor, adds that “No other make or model is acceptable.”&nbsp;Human rights groups have noted that Israeli military and security forces have extensively used Cellebrite software to bypass security protocols and harvest private data from the smartphones of thousands of detained Palestinians across Gaza and the occupied West Bank.IFF argues that no Indian law says when a seized phone can be unlocked, what can be copied, how long the data can be kept or who can see it. It says the closest provision, Section 69 of the IT Act, is under challenge in a Supreme Court petition it filed in 2019. It adds that guidelines on seizing digital devices, which the Centre said in 2023 it would frame, have not been placed before the Court. The group is asking Delhi Police and the Home Ministry to say whether any phones taken during the protests, including Rathee's, were connected to an extraction tool. It also wants seized devices returned and data deleted for people not charged with any offence.&nbsp;

Dhruv Rathee alleges Delhi Police tried to clone his iPhone using Israeli Cellebrite software, raising questions over phone seizures and digital surveillance.

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee says that he believes the Delhi Police tried to clone his iPhone with Israeli forensic software but failed because his phone ran an iOS version older than the tool could handle. Speaking on a podcast with Comedian Kunal Kamra, Rathee said that they used Cellebrite. On October 10, Delhi Police detained him, just hours ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party protest. They held him till the next morning. His and his parents' phones were confiscated. It's not just Rathee; scores of the other demonstrators and activists have seen their devices being confiscated. After getting his phone back, Rathee says technical experts examined it for a full day and found no spyware. He points to battery history showing the phone on charge for hours in police custody, which he reads as a sign it was connected to a computer. Though a battery log alone cannot prove data was extracted. Rathee's accounts have not been independently verified, and the Delhi police have not reacted to his remarks publicly, according to Internet Freedom Foundation. Also Read: US-backed Board of Peace warns of 'immediate humanitarian emergency' as flood inundate thousands of tents The tool Cellebrite, which Rathee mentioned, is being bought widely. On November 7, IFF published a report which claimed that a Home Ministry letter dated January 20 records Home Minister Amit Shah approving the National Investigation Agency's purchase of Cellebrite's most advanced product. The approval waived Make in India rules, and the contract was awarded for about ₹4.98 crore. IFF has not seen the Minister's note itself and has filed an RTI request for it. IFF counts 15 Cellebrite listings across 11 tenders in 2026. Buyers include the Serious Fraud Investigation Office, the Department of Military Affairs, and the Kerala, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh governments. The Home Ministry cleared three Cellebrite products for the Delhi Police Crime Branch in March 2025, and the force has reportedly held Cellebrite tools since at least 2020. “As no other Company is manufacturing the software with the same name and specifications”, read the NIA record of the bid, as quoted by the IFF report. Its Proprietary Article Certificate, issued under Rule 166 of the General Financial Rules and naming M/s Cellebrite DI Ltd. of Petah Tikva, Israel, as the sole developer and proprietor, adds that “No other make or model is acceptable.” Human rights groups have noted that Israeli military and security forces have extensively used Cellebrite software to bypass security protocols and harvest private data from the smartphones of thousands of detained Palestinians across Gaza and the occupied West Bank. IFF argues that no Indian law says when a seized phone can be unlocked, what can be copied, how long the data can be kept or who can see it. It says the closest provision, Section 69 of the IT Act, is under challenge in a Supreme Court petition it filed in 2019. It adds that guidelines on seizing digital devices, which the Centre said in 2023 it would frame, have not been placed before the Court. The group is asking Delhi Police and the Home Ministry to say whether any phones taken during the protests, including Rathee's, were connected to an extraction tool. It also wants seized devices returned and data deleted for people not charged with any offence.

Dhruv Rathee alleges Delhi Police tried to clone his iPhone using Israeli Cellebrite software, raising questions over phone seizures and digital surveillance.

From NIA to Delhi Police: Why Israeli Cellebrite phone extraction software is drawing scrutiny

In the horrific Kolkata rape murder case, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee came under the spotlight after he revealed the victim's name.&nbsp;

The social media influencer came under fire and faced backlash for making the revelation after which he reportedly deleted the post on X.

As per the media reports, the activist and influencer had earlier written "Justice For Nirbhaya 2" in another post on X but later deleted that too.

The netizens also criticised him for this action as some alleged that the influencer deleted the post because he was afraid of the Indian state of West Bengal's government.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-rape-murder-150mg-of-semen-found-in-girls-body-parents-suspect-gangrape-750164">Kolkata rape-murder: 150mg of semen found in girl’s body, parents suspect gangrape</a>

Later while justifying why he deleted the post on X, Rathee said, “Because some people pointed out that it was insensitive to call (name hidden) as Nirbhaya2. I thought over it and felt that they were right."

<h2>Here's when Dhruv Rathee revealed Kolkata rape victim's name&nbsp;</h2>

Rathee came under fire once again after he revealed the name of the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case's victim in a hashtag while posting about the horrific incident.&nbsp;

“The rape-murder case in West Bengal is heartbreaking. It exposes the inhumane working conditions for doctors, the lack of their safety and the miserable state of law and order in West Bengal. Hope CBI does a fast track trial and gets justice (sic),” the influencer wrote on X, and added the name of the victim in a hashtag.

<h2>Here's how social media reacted to Rathee's post</h2>

The netizens quickly pointed out that the YouTuber should not have named the victim.

Watch:&nbsp;Kolkata rape-murder case: High court notes serious lapses on part of hospital administration

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Taking to X, advocate Prashant Umrao wrote, “When the Rape victim is dead or of unsound mind the name of the victim or her identity should not be disclosed even under the authorisation of the next of the kin. - #SupremeCourt.”

A lot of people also quizzed him about why he pulled out even that post from X. The country is shocked by the female trainee doctor's tragic rape and murder at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Civic volunteer Sanjay Roy has been named as the prime accused in the case. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the horrific Kolkata rape murder case, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee came under the spotlight after he revealed the victim's name. The social media influencer came under fire and faced backlash for making the revelation after which he reportedly deleted the post on X.

In the horrific Kolkata rape murder case, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee came under the spotlight after he revealed the victim's name. The social media influencer came under fire and faced backlash for making the revelation after which he reportedly deleted the post on X. As per the media reports, the activist and influencer had earlier written "Justice For Nirbhaya 2" in another post on X but later deleted that too. The netizens also criticised him for this action as some alleged that the influencer deleted the post because he was afraid of the Indian state of West Bengal's government. Also Read: Kolkata rape-murder: 150mg of semen found in girl’s body, parents suspect gangrape Later while justifying why he deleted the post on X, Rathee said, “Because some people pointed out that it was insensitive to call (name hidden) as Nirbhaya2. I thought over it and felt that they were right." Here's when Dhruv Rathee revealed Kolkata rape victim's name Rathee came under fire once again after he revealed the name of the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case's victim in a hashtag while posting about the horrific incident. “The rape-murder case in West Bengal is heartbreaking. It exposes the inhumane working conditions for doctors, the lack of their safety and the miserable state of law and order in West Bengal. Hope CBI does a fast track trial and gets justice (sic),” the influencer wrote on X, and added the name of the victim in a hashtag. Here's how social media reacted to Rathee's post The netizens quickly pointed out that the YouTuber should not have named the victim. Watch: Kolkata rape-murder case: High court notes serious lapses on part of hospital administration Taking to X, advocate Prashant Umrao wrote, “When the Rape victim is dead or of unsound mind the name of the victim or her identity should not be disclosed even under the authorisation of the next of the kin. - #SupremeCourt.” A lot of people also quizzed him about why he pulled out even that post from X. The country is shocked by the female trainee doctor's tragic rape and murder at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. Civic volunteer Sanjay Roy has been named as the prime accused in the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Youtuber Dhruv Rathee reveals name of victim, lands in trouble

Who is Dhruv Rathee?&nbsp;Dhruv, one of the most famous Indian YouTubers, has been summoned by an Indian court after a defamation case was filed against the influencer by a BJP leader. The case filed by Suresh Karamshi Nakhua alleges&nbsp;that Rathee called him a violent and abusive troll in a video posted by him. But who is Dhruv Rathee and why is he considered important?

<h2>The YouTube journey of Dhruv Rathee</h2>

Rathee is a 29-year-old Europe-based computer engineer and influencer. Apart from content creation, he teaches online courses on artificial intelligence apps like ChatGPT.

Rathee started his YouTube channel while studying for a computer science course in Germany. In the initial years, he mostly documented his travels, speaking mainly in Hindi. 
 
Later, he started explainer videos on a multitude of subjects ranging from science, technology, history and the business world. He used to comment occasionally on politically sensitive subjects, like during the farmers' protests of 2020 and the release of the controversial film Kerala Story.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-summons-youtuber-dhruv-rathee-in-defamation-case-filed-by-bjp-spokesperson-743744" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-summons-youtuber-dhruv-rathee-in-defamation-case-filed-by-bjp-spokesperson-743744&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmufXK8MGHAxUDcGwGHZfSB_YQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0SmK4wteTCV4dWToubzzbN&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-summons-youtuber-dhruv-rathee-in-defamation-case-filed-by-bjp-spokesperson-743744" target="_blank">Delhi court summons YouTuber&nbsp;Dhruv Rathee&nbsp;in defamation case</a> 
 
But closer to the general elections in India this year, his channel took a political pivot and started sharing videos explicitly critical of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its ideological font RSS or Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh.

He did a series of videos alleging that the Modi government was showing signs of dictatorship, an allegation that the opposition parties led by Rahul Gandhi's Congress lapped up during the election campaign. 
 
While Rathee himself operated mainly from Europe, his political videos gained traction across social media platforms in India. At least some of them were shown on big screens in several cities and towns. Besides the YouTube channel, during the election season this summer, Rathee also created a WhatsApp channel, directly addressing his millions of followers to vote against the incumbent government. He also made his presence felt in Facebook, Instagram and X.

Soon, Rathee started getting threats, as he claimed in his videos, and his critics challenged him to come to India. He did come to India during the elections and posted pictures from India Gate in the capital New Delhi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-salman-khan-alleges-lawrence-bishnoi-carried-out-firing-outside-his-residence-743910">Salman Khan alleges Lawrence Bishnoi carried out firing outside his residence</a>

Born and brought up in the north Indian state of Haryana, Rathee comes from a family of farmers and soldiers, while his father is an engineer. 
 
He married Juli Lbr, a German in 2021 after seven years of relationship, and is expecting a baby with her in September.

He has a separate travel vlog channel on YouTube.

<h2>The court case of Dhruv Rathee</h2>

The Saket Court in Indian capital Delhi issued the order to summon Rathee on July 19, on a complaint by Nakhua, who is a BJP spokesperson in the western city of Mumbai. The district judge Gunjan Gupta set August 6 as the date of hearing in the case.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/zeenat-aman-blasts-brands-for-giving-ludicrously-low-fees-i-am-more-than-a-designer-handbag-743642">Zeenat Aman blasts brands for giving 'ludicrously low fees': I am more than a designer handbag</a>

Nakhua claimed in his petition that that Rathee “made bold and unsubstantiated claims” in one of his videos, which hurt his reputation.&nbsp; The complaint said that in the "cunningly crafted video, a deliberate campaign was made to besmirch his integrity and reputation while adding "baseless accusations and malicious connections are artfully insinuated."

(With inputs from agencies)

Who is Dhruv Rathee? Dhruv, one of the most famous Indian YouTubers, has been summoned by an Indian court after a defamation case was filed against the influencer by a BJP leader.

Who is Dhruv Rathee? Dhruv, one of the most famous Indian YouTubers, has been summoned by an Indian court after a defamation case was filed against the influencer by a BJP leader. The case filed by Suresh Karamshi Nakhua alleges that Rathee called him a violent and abusive troll in a video posted by him. But who is Dhruv Rathee and why is he considered important? The YouTube journey of Dhruv Rathee Rathee is a 29-year-old Europe-based computer engineer and influencer. Apart from content creation, he teaches online courses on artificial intelligence apps like ChatGPT. Rathee started his YouTube channel while studying for a computer science course in Germany. In the initial years, he mostly documented his travels, speaking mainly in Hindi. Later, he started explainer videos on a multitude of subjects ranging from science, technology, history and the business world. He used to comment occasionally on politically sensitive subjects, like during the farmers' protests of 2020 and the release of the controversial film Kerala Story. Also read: Delhi court summons YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in defamation case But closer to the general elections in India this year, his channel took a political pivot and started sharing videos explicitly critical of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its ideological font RSS or Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh. He did a series of videos alleging that the Modi government was showing signs of dictatorship, an allegation that the opposition parties led by Rahul Gandhi's Congress lapped up during the election campaign. While Rathee himself operated mainly from Europe, his political videos gained traction across social media platforms in India. At least some of them were shown on big screens in several cities and towns. Besides the YouTube channel, during the election season this summer, Rathee also created a WhatsApp channel, directly addressing his millions of followers to vote against the incumbent government. He also made his presence felt in Facebook, Instagram and X. Soon, Rathee started getting threats, as he claimed in his videos, and his critics challenged him to come to India. He did come to India during the elections and posted pictures from India Gate in the capital New Delhi. Also read: Salman Khan alleges Lawrence Bishnoi carried out firing outside his residence Born and brought up in the north Indian state of Haryana, Rathee comes from a family of farmers and soldiers, while his father is an engineer. He married Juli Lbr, a German in 2021 after seven years of relationship, and is expecting a baby with her in September. He has a separate travel vlog channel on YouTube. The court case of Dhruv Rathee The Saket Court in Indian capital Delhi issued the order to summon Rathee on July 19, on a complaint by Nakhua, who is a BJP spokesperson in the western city of Mumbai. The district judge Gunjan Gupta set August 6 as the date of hearing in the case. Also read: Zeenat Aman blasts brands for giving 'ludicrously low fees': I am more than a designer handbag Nakhua claimed in his petition that that Rathee “made bold and unsubstantiated claims” in one of his videos, which hurt his reputation. The complaint said that in the "cunningly crafted video, a deliberate campaign was made to besmirch his integrity and reputation while adding "baseless accusations and malicious connections are artfully insinuated." (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Dhruv Rathee, the YouTuber summoned by India court in defamation case?

A Delhi court on Wednesday (Jul 24) issued summons to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation case filed by a spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rathi, who is known for making critical videos against the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had allegedly referred to Suresh Karamshi Nakhua, the spokesperson, as a violent and abusive troll.

The District Judge Gunjan Gupta of Saket Court issued summons to Rathi as well as social media intermediaries for August 6.

"Issue summons of the suit and notice of the application u/o 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC to the defendants, subject to steps by all modes i.e. PF &amp; RC/Speed Post/ Approved Courier including electronic mode for 06.08.2024. Process be also given dasti, as prayed," the court said in its order.

<h2>The video in question</h2>

Rathi had uploaded a video titled, 'My Reply to Godi Youtubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee' on his YouTube channel, which has accumulated over 2 million views. As per claims made by Nakhua, Rathi in his video alleged that "PM Modi had hosted violent and abusive trolls like Ankit Jain, Suresh Nakhua, and Tajinder Bagga at his official residence."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjzspftsr-HAxW_WGwGHZ54BKgQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-budget-a-120mn-vc-fund-to-propel-indias-nascent-space-startups-743603" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-budget-a-120mn-vc-fund-to-propel-indias-nascent-space-startups-743603&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzspftsr-HAxW_WGwGHZ54BKgQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Indian budget 2024: A $120mn VC fund to propel India's nascent space startups</a>

Advocates Raghav Awasthi with Mukesh Sharma, who appeared for the BJP leader, said the video threatened the party's reputation in public.

Watch:&nbsp;India exempts foreigners investing in gift city from taxes

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"That through this cunningly crafted video, a deliberate campaign to besmirch the Plaintiff's (Suresh Karamshi Nakhua) integrity and reputation is apparent, as baseless accusations and malicious connections are artfully insinuated. The primary creator of this video that is Plaintiff seek not only to cast doubt on the Plaintiff's character but also to tarnish his hard-earned standing in society, has planted seeds of suspicion and mistrust that can have far-reaching consequences. The repercussions of such false allegations are manifold, extending well beyond the realm of the video itself to irrevocably impact both the personal and professional domains of the Plaintiff, leaving scars that may never fully heal,” the case said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Delhi court on Wednesday (Jul 24) issued summons to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation case filed by a spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rathi, who is known for making critical videos against the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had allegedly referred to Suresh Karamshi Nakhua, the spokesperson, as a violent and abusive troll.

A Delhi court on Wednesday (Jul 24) issued summons to YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in a defamation case filed by a spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Rathi, who is known for making critical videos against the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had allegedly referred to Suresh Karamshi Nakhua, the spokesperson, as a violent and abusive troll. The District Judge Gunjan Gupta of Saket Court issued summons to Rathi as well as social media intermediaries for August 6. "Issue summons of the suit and notice of the application u/o 39 Rule 1 and 2 CPC to the defendants, subject to steps by all modes i.e. PF & RC/Speed Post/ Approved Courier including electronic mode for 06.08.2024. Process be also given dasti, as prayed," the court said in its order. The video in question Rathi had uploaded a video titled, 'My Reply to Godi Youtubers | Elvish Yadav | Dhruv Rathee' on his YouTube channel, which has accumulated over 2 million views. As per claims made by Nakhua, Rathi in his video alleged that "PM Modi had hosted violent and abusive trolls like Ankit Jain, Suresh Nakhua, and Tajinder Bagga at his official residence." Also read: Indian budget 2024: A $120mn VC fund to propel India's nascent space startups Advocates Raghav Awasthi with Mukesh Sharma, who appeared for the BJP leader, said the video threatened the party's reputation in public. Watch: India exempts foreigners investing in gift city from taxes × "That through this cunningly crafted video, a deliberate campaign to besmirch the Plaintiff's (Suresh Karamshi Nakhua) integrity and reputation is apparent, as baseless accusations and malicious connections are artfully insinuated. The primary creator of this video that is Plaintiff seek not only to cast doubt on the Plaintiff's character but also to tarnish his hard-earned standing in society, has planted seeds of suspicion and mistrust that can have far-reaching consequences. The repercussions of such false allegations are manifold, extending well beyond the realm of the video itself to irrevocably impact both the personal and professional domains of the Plaintiff, leaving scars that may never fully heal,” the case said. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi court summons YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in defamation case filed by BJP spokesperson

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From NIA to Delhi Police: Why Israeli Cellebrite phone extraction software is drawing scrutiny

Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Youtuber Dhruv Rathee reveals name of victim, lands in trouble

Who is Dhruv Rathee, the YouTuber summoned by India court in defamation case?

Delhi court summons YouTuber Dhruv Rathee in defamation case filed by BJP spokesperson