Police in Assam have taken decisive action against the online spread of communal hatred, arresting one youth and detaining another in separate incidents. The individuals are accused of creating and sharing provocative videos on social media that allegedly sought to justify a recent lynching incident in Bangladesh involving a person named Dipu Das.
Hailakandi Youth Arrested for Creating Inflammatory Video
In a significant move, authorities in Hailakandi district arrested a 19-year-old individual on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Ezazur Rahman Laskar, is a resident of Gamoria village under the Ramkrishna Nagar police station in Sribhumi district. According to police officials, Laskar is alleged to have created and circulated a highly objectionable video through his Instagram account.
The video content was deemed inflammatory as it reportedly attempted to rationalize a lynching in Bangladesh on communal grounds. Following a preliminary inquiry, a formal case was registered against Laskar. The charges invoked include sections 196(1), 197(1), 299, 353(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
"The accused has been taken into custody, and the mobile phone used for creating and sharing the video has been seized as part of the investigation," a senior police officer confirmed. This seizure is a crucial step in the digital evidence-gathering process.
Police Probe Extends to Amplifiers of Hate
The investigation is not limited to the primary creator. Authorities have initiated a detailed probe to identify other individuals who allegedly engaged with the harmful content by liking and sharing the post. The police have issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the misuse of social media platforms to incite communal discord will not be tolerated.
"The investigation is ongoing, and action will be taken against anyone found involved in amplifying the inflammatory content," the official added. This underscores a broader crackdown on digital networks used to spread hatred.
Second Incident in Rangia Leads to Detention
In a parallel but separate incident, police in Assam have detained another youth from Rangia. The individual, identified as Mohammad Shaif Akhtar Ali, was taken into custody for allegedly posting a controversial video on social media. This video also purportedly expressed support for the killing of Dipu Das in Bangladesh.
Acting on intelligence about the video's circulation, police swiftly detained Ali for questioning. Authorities are currently examining the precise content of this video and scrutinizing the associated social media accounts as part of their active investigation.
The dual incidents highlight a firm stance by Assam Police against content that threatens communal harmony. Officials have reiterated their commitment to monitoring social media and taking strict legal action against those who misuse these platforms to spread provocation and hate. Citizens are being urged to act responsibly in their online interactions and report any such malicious content.