Rajkot Youth Apprehended in Hyderabad Over Derogatory Social Media Posts Targeting Gujarat Deputy CM
In a significant cybercrime development, a 20-year-old man from Rajkot was arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly posting objectionable and abusive comments against Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghavi. The arrest occurred amidst the widespread social media discourse surrounding the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, highlighting the intersection of international tensions and local law enforcement actions.
Details of the Alleged Offense and Arrest
The individual, identified as Asif Kundha, a resident of the Rasulpara area in Rajkot, is accused of making inflammatory remarks on social media platforms. According to police reports, Kundha posted messages expressing support for Iran's supreme leader while simultaneously directing abusive and objectionable language toward Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi. These posts quickly drew attention, leading to a formal complaint.
A case was registered against Kundha at the CID Cybercrime police station in Gandhinagar, invoking sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges specifically relate to promoting enmity between different religious groups and disseminating false statements through electronic means that have the potential to disturb public order and tranquility.
Investigation and Technical Surveillance
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime) Chintan Patel provided insights into the investigative process. Technical surveillance played a crucial role in locating the suspect, revealing that Kundha was residing in Hyderabad. Following this discovery, a dedicated team from the Rajkot City Cybercrime police unit traveled to Hyderabad to execute the arrest, demonstrating the reach of cybercrime enforcement across state lines.
Further investigation uncovered additional background information about Kundha. In 2025, he allegedly stole Rs 1.5 lakh in cash from a friend's residence. Although he initially confessed to the theft, the complainant opted not to file a police report at that time. However, when Kundha failed to return the stolen funds subsequently, a formal case was registered against him at the Rajkot Taluka police station.
Life in Hyderabad and Recent Developments
Cybercrime police inspector J M Kaila elaborated on Kundha's activities post-theft. After the incident, Kundha had been living in Hyderabad for approximately 10 months. During this period, he initially worked as a bus conductor before transitioning to a housekeeping role at a hotel, where he had been employed for the past month.
In a notable turn of events, Kundha posted a video apology three days prior to his arrest, expressing regret for his earlier remarks. This action, however, did not preclude the legal proceedings against him, as the authorities proceeded with the arrest based on the initial complaints and evidence gathered.
The arrest underscores the growing vigilance of cybercrime units in monitoring and addressing online content that may incite discord or target public figures. It also reflects the broader context of how global events, such as the Iran-Israel conflict, can influence local social media behaviors and prompt law enforcement responses to maintain public order and security.
