A video circulating widely on social media shows the protester accused of using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led demonstrations in Delhi apologising for her remarks and seeking forgiveness.
In the clip, the girl, with folded hands, says she attended the protest at Jantar Mantar with friends after visiting Connaught Place and got carried away by the atmosphere and slogans raised by people around her.
Claiming that she is 15 years old, she admits that her comments were unacceptable and expresses regret over her actions.
"I was influenced by those around me. I am only 15 years old and what I said cannot be justified. I deeply regret my actions," she says in the video.
Describing the incident as her "first and last mistake", the girl apologises to the country and says she feels ashamed of her behaviour. The authenticity of the video, however, has not been independently verified.
Her claim regarding her age has sparked fresh questions, as CJP spokesperson Saurav Das had earlier stated that the accused was 25 years old.
The apology surfaced shortly after Prime Minister Modi released a video message on Instagram, saying that while the slogans directed at him and his late mother were hurtful, young people should be allowed to learn from their mistakes rather than face harsh punishment.
"The language used against me and my late mother was painful, but the youth deserve guidance and an opportunity to correct themselves," the Prime Minister said.
The controversy began after a complaint was filed over allegedly offensive slogans raised during the July 23 protest against the NEET paper leak issue at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
A Zero FIR was registered at Noida's Expressway Police Station on July 29 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to public mischief, defamation and provoking a breach of peace. The case has since been transferred to Delhi's Parliament Street Police Station for further investigation.
According to the complaint, the remarks insulted the dignity of the Prime Minister's office and had the potential to disturb public order.
Investigators have reportedly visited the housing society in Noida where the girl is believed to live with her mother. Security personnel told police that the family has not returned since the protests.
Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party criticised the criminal case, arguing that while abusive language should not be defended, criminal prosecution over such remarks could discourage free expression.
Saurav Das said that individuals offended by the comments should consider legal remedies such as defamation proceedings instead of invoking criminal law.