Two Arrested in Uttar Pradesh for Allegedly Posting Pro-Pakistan Content on Social Media, Say Police
In two separate incidents in Uttar Pradesh, state police arrested two individuals on charges of promoting content deemed anti-national and in support of Pakistan.
The arrests took place in the Bareilly and Sambhal districts, and both cases are being investigated under various sections of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Incident in Bareilly:
In Bareilly district, police detained a 22-year-old tailor, identified as Mohammad Sajid, a resident of Girdharpur village, on Monday. According to the authorities, Sajid had allegedly uploaded a video on a social media platform that expressed support for Pakistan.
The content of the video was reportedly inflammatory and considered harmful to communal harmony in the region.
Police officials stated that the video had the potential to incite hatred and create divisions among communities. The video came under scrutiny after several residents came across the post and raised objections, alerting law enforcement.
Responding to the concerns, the police conducted a preliminary investigation and found the content to be objectionable and potentially disruptive to public peace.
Following his arrest, the police registered a case against Sajid under Section 197 (imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration) and Section 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the BNS at the Deorania Police Station.
Authorities seized Sajid’s mobile phone, which allegedly contained multiple videos with anti-national and pro-Pakistan sentiments. Officials have confirmed that the device will be sent for forensic analysis to further assess the nature and origin of the content.
Deorania Station House Officer (SHO) Dinesh Kumar Sharma stated, “The mobile phone of the accused was found to have numerous objectionable videos.
He will be produced before the court on Tuesday.” Meanwhile, a video showing Sajid in police custody shouting “Pakistan Murdabad” (Down with Pakistan) has surfaced on social media and is rapidly being shared, though police have not yet verified its authenticity or the context under which it was recorded.
Incident in Sambhal:
In a separate case, police in Sambhal district arrested a 27-year-old man named Jamaat Ali for allegedly circulating false information about Indian military operations.
According to law enforcement, Ali had posted a video on his Facebook account claiming that Pakistani forces had shot down a Rafale fighter jet from the Indian Air Force, and that the Indian pilot had been taken prisoner.
The video was determined to be misleading and capable of spreading misinformation among the public.
Upon investigation, the police found that Ali had a pattern of sharing and engaging with pro-Pakistan content on social media. His account reportedly contained several such videos, which he had either liked or shared.
The authorities filed an FIR against him under Section 152 of the BNS, which deals with acts that endanger India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
The police emphasized that such acts not only spread false narratives but can also damage national morale and disrupt social stability.
They have reiterated their commitment to taking strict legal action against individuals who engage in or promote anti-national content online.
Both incidents highlight the increasing vigilance of law enforcement agencies regarding digital activity, particularly in light of national security concerns.
The police have urged citizens to exercise caution while sharing or posting any content on social media and to report any material that may threaten public order or national interest.
