Mathura Police Take Action Against Social Media Users Over Edited Holi Clips
In a significant move, the Mathura police have registered a case against nine social media users for allegedly circulating edited clips of the Lathmar Holi celebrations from Barsana and Nandgaon. The police stated that this action targets individuals who attempted to defame a tradition with a history spanning over 5,000 years by sharing partial clips from old videos of the Lathmar or Laddumar Holi on various social media platforms.
Investigation Reveals Edited Content
SP Mathura (rural) Suresh Chand Rawat explained that the videos came to the police's attention when portions of earlier Holi celebrations were shared online. Upon examination by the Barsana police station team, it was discovered that some social media influencers had edited clips from old videos of the Holi celebrations in Barsana and Nandgaon, making them go viral. Rawat emphasized that the circulation of such manipulated content led to widespread confusion, the spread of rumors, and created a situation of social discord in the area.
FIR Registered Under Multiple Sections
Based on a complaint filed by a police official, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on Saturday at the Barsana police station. The case has been filed under Sections 196(2) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act. This legal action underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the misuse of digital platforms to distort cultural events.
Police Consider Clarifications During Investigation
Meanwhile, Mathura SSP Shlok Kumar provided an update to the media, noting that one of the social media users named in the FIR has already spoken to him and offered some clarifications. Kumar assured that these explanations will be considered as part of the ongoing investigations, indicating a balanced approach to the case.
The police are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not tarnish the reputation of age-old traditions and are taking strict measures to prevent the spread of misleading content online.
