Lucknow: The Lucknow Police on Tuesday registered a First Information Report (FIR) against an unidentified Facebook account holder on charges of circulating objectionable, misleading and communal content using the name and photograph of prominent Shia cleric Maulana Mirza Mohammad Yasoob Abbas.
Complaint Filed by Cleric
According to police officials, the case was registered at the Chowk Police Station after the cleric submitted a written complaint alleging misuse of his identity on social media. Maulana Yasoob Abbas, a resident of the Shahganj area in Lucknow, alleged in the complaint that an unknown person on Facebook had circulated a fake and objectionable post using his name and photograph with the alleged intention of inciting hatred and enmity among communities.
Nature of the Offensive Content
Police confirmed that the post contained inflammatory and communal remarks that could disturb social harmony and public peace. Officials said the cleric publicly refuted the viral content after learning about the post and appealed to people through media platforms not to believe or circulate misleading information on social media.
Legal Action Initiated
Police registered the FIR under Section 353(2) (circulation of rumours) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66C of the Information Technology Act against the unidentified Facebook account holder. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone) Kamlesh Dixit said that technical and legal processes have been initiated to identify the social media account, and cyber experts are analysing digital evidence and online activity linked to it. He further stated that legal action would be taken once the accused is identified.
Appeal to the Public
The Lucknow Police have appealed to the public not to share or forward provocative, misleading or unverified social media content without verification. They urged citizens to help maintain communal harmony and law and order. The authorities are actively investigating the case and have assured that strict action will be taken against the perpetrator.
