UP Man Arrested Under Stringent BNS Section for Truck Arson in Bijnor
A 24-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh has been arrested under the stringent Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 152 for allegedly setting a pickup truck on fire in front of a temple in Bijnor's Kiratpur area. The arrest follows revelations that the accused received an online contract from a Mumbai-based individual to "target vehicles linked to a particular community," raising concerns about a potential larger conspiracy to incite communal unrest.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
The accused, identified as Abuzar Shamim, a resident of Kiratpur, was apprehended by police on Thursday. According to authorities, the incident occurred on March 4 when Shamim allegedly sprinkled petrol on the truck, which bore a Uttar Pradesh number plate, and set it ablaze. He also attempted to deface religious symbols and slogans on the vehicle. After committing the crime, Shamim left his village the following day for Bijnor city, where police believe he was "planning to do something bigger."
Shamim, who previously worked at a salon in Gurugram, confessed to police that he was facing financial distress. He shared his "pain" with his relative Mohd Zaid, who then directed him to Abu Bakar. Through a social media app, Abu Bakar instructed Shamim to "target vehicles" and promised payment for carrying out the act. Both Zaid, a barber, and Abu Bakar are currently based in Mumbai, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
Legal Charges and Investigation
An FIR was initially registered under BNS section 326 (F), which deals with mischief by injury, inundation, fire, or explosive substance. However, the more severe section 152, which addresses acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, was later added. Notably, BNS 152 replaces the sedition law previously under IPC section 124-A, highlighting the gravity of the offense.
SP city Krishna Gopal Singh stated that during the investigation, Shamim's name emerged as a suspect. Police are currently examining his mobile phone details for further evidence. Shamim had even recorded the March 4 arson as "proof of his crime," which has been seized by authorities.
Suspected Larger Conspiracy
A police officer familiar with the case indicated that there might be a broader conspiracy orchestrated by an online network aimed at triggering communal situations or linked to fanaticism. "There could be a larger conspiracy led by an online network to trigger a communal situation or a group linked with fanaticism," the officer said. The FIR was lodged by the truck's owner, who reported that an unidentified person set his vehicle on fire and tried to deface its religious elements.
This incident underscores the growing concerns about online radicalization and the use of digital platforms to incite violence. Police are intensifying their probe to uncover the full extent of the network involved and prevent any further attempts to disrupt communal harmony in the region.
