New Delhi, Aug 1: A teenager facing legal action for allegedly raising abusive slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest over the NEET paper leak at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has issued a public apology, saying she was influenced by others at the demonstration.

In a video shared on social media on Friday, the girl, who claimed to be 15 years old, said she had attended the protest with friends and joined in after hearing others raise slogans against the prime minister.

“I had gone to a protest where several groups were abusing Prime Minister Modi. I came under their influence and ended up saying many inappropriate things,” she said.

The teenager described the incident as her “first and last mistake” and apologised for her remarks. “I sincerely apologise to the entire nation. I am deeply ashamed and seek forgiveness from everyone,” she added.

The apology came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had chosen to forgive the students accused of making abusive remarks against him during the protest. In a video message shared on Instagram, Modi said some “misguided youngsters” had used offensive language against him and his late mother.

Rather than seeking strict punishment, the prime minister said young people should be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes. He appealed to society to guide the students instead of subjecting them and their families to prolonged legal proceedings.

Comparing the incident to a tongue accidentally getting caught between the teeth, Modi said the youngsters were part of society and should be counselled rather than isolated.