The controversial video which shows a man dressed as Gandhi - apostle of non-violence and leader of India’s freedom movement - resorting to violence, carrying an automatic rifle, gyrating to music and doing a pole dance.

India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry was consulting the country’s Information Technology Ministry on taking “action” against Youtube, the Times of India daily reported.

The paper quoted official sources saying that the government would either block Youtube or the website would be asked to take off the offending video.

Meanwhile, Google Inc., the company that recently bought over Youtube, said it took the matter seriously and was reviewing the clip to determine “the best course of action.”

“These issues are complicated as the Internet is an international phenomenon. While technology can bring great opportunity and access to information globally, it can also present new and unique cultural challenges,” Google said.

The Indian government also took “serious exception” to two Indian TV channels - IBN 7 and Sahara - for showing footage of the video.

Criticizing the “assault to the dignity of the father of the nation” Information and Broadcasting Minister PR Dasmunsi on Friday demanded a “profound apology” from the channels.

The video made by Gautham Prasad, a stand-up comedian of Indian origin who is based in the US, shows Gandhi dancing, stripping, playing with daggers and dining with women, the Times reported.

Prasad has reportedly apologized for making the video clip.

“I take sole responsibility for any offence that I caused. I apologize to people and encourage people not to view the video,” Prasad was quoted by local media outlets as saying.

Meanwhile, angry protests were reported from various parts of the country on Friday. While students of a university in the northern Varanasi city disrupted the movement of a train, sit-in protests were held in Gandhi’s home state of Gujarat.