Police take action following unrest over social media remarks regarding Prophet Muhammad and the Quran
In Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a significant police response followed a protest outside the Sadar Bazar police station concerning an allegedly derogatory social media post about Prophet Muhammad and the Quran. The unrest has led to the registration of a case against 150 to 200 unidentified individuals, reflecting the heightened tensions surrounding the incident.
The situation originated when a 45-year-old man allegedly posted derogatory remarks on Facebook. According to reports, the post was made on a Friday and was deleted shortly thereafter. The police confirmed that the individual was arrested on the same day and booked under a section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that addresses acts intended to outrage religious feelings.
Following the arrest, a crowd began to gather outside the police station around 9 PM, expressing their dissatisfaction and calling for strict action against the man responsible for the post. The gathering escalated quickly, as some protesters attempted to enter the police station premises, resulting in two motorcycles being set on fire. This act of vandalism prompted police intervention, and officers resorted to baton charges to disperse the crowd.
Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwiwedi reported that a first information report (FIR) has been filed against the protesters for rioting and obstructing public servants while on duty. The police emphasized the importance of maintaining communal harmony and urged the public to refrain from making comments on social media that could incite tensions among different religious or social groups.
In light of the incident, the police have initiated a proactive approach by employing a social media monitoring team. This team has compiled a list of individuals who have either posted or shared the derogatory content in question. The police’s appeal to the community underscores a broader concern regarding the potential for social media to provoke unrest and disrupt peace among various communities.
The events in Shahjahanpur are a stark reminder of the volatile intersection between social media expression and community sentiments in India. As authorities navigate this challenging landscape, the emphasis on restraint and responsible communication is paramount in preventing future conflicts.
The sequence of updates will shape how the story evolves over the next few days.
