YouTuber Dhruv Rathee is under fire for issuing copyright strikes against DS Education, a channel run by 12-year-old Aryan Tiwari, after the boy factually challenged Rathee's claim that Lord Ram consumed meat.
Rathee's action reek of hypocrisy, especially since his past advocacy against aggressive copyright enforcement.
The Ramayana Dispute Ignites
The controversy began when Aryan Tiwari uploaded videos around first week of April 2026, directly refuting Rathee's interpretation of Valmiki Ramayana shlokas suggesting meat consumption by Ram. Using Rathee's signature analytical style, Aryan presented Sanskrit verses and translations, arguing they refer to roots or herbs, not meat, amassing 1.8 million views.
Aryan titled his video "Shri Ram EAT MEAT? Shocking Shlokas from Valmiki Ramayan." The video went viral, with supporters praising the child's scholarly rebuttal.
Strikes Hit Aryan's Channel
By 6 April 2026, YouTube notified Aryan of three copyright strikes from Rathee, triggered by brief clips (under 10 seconds) of Rathee's original video.
Image Source: Saffron Charges X handleHindi notices warned of potential channel termination, prompting Aryan to post: "Dhruv Rathee has issued strikes against three of my videos," sharing appeal screenshots.
Image Source: Saffron Charges X handleEchoes of ANI Hypocrisy
Rathee's actions clash with his May 2025, tweet decrying ANI's "extortion racket" via strikes, urging YouTube to allow creators a deletion chance for short clips before penalties. Social media erupted, branding it "hypocrisy at its peak," especially against a minor. Aryan appealed, pleading implementation of Rathee's suggested policy.