Arrests – Others

On August 16 this year, when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away, there were many comments on social media. Naushad Khan allegedly wrote a post that was critical of Vajpayee and questioned his role in the demolition of the Babri Masjid, which offended some BJP leaders. The next day, an FIR was lodged against him in Bhelupur police station. He was booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) 505 (1)(c) (with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, any class or community of persons to commit any offense against any other class or community) and section 66 of Information Technology Act.He has been languishing in Varanasi central jail since September 5.

In another case, Arif Malik (23), a resident of Saharanpur faced similar charges when he wrote a Facebook post without naming Vajpayee. He was also slapped with similar charges as Naushad. Subsequently, Arif was sent to the district jail. An FIR was also lodged against his friends–Arif- Rihan, Hasnain, Ali, Anees, who commented on Arif’s status and agreed with the post.

Aleem Ahmad, who is just 17 years old, had also expressed his anger against Vajpayee and his role in Babri Masjid’s demolition. He was also sent to the Noida jail for ‘thirty seven’ days.