Nagpur witnessed violent clashes earlier this week,
leading to the arrest of Fahim Shamim Khan, a Minorities Democratic
Party (MDP) leader, along with five others. The Nagpur cyber police have
booked them under charges of sedition and spreading misinformation on social
media, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.
Sedition Charges and FIRs Against Accused
Authorities have registered four First Information
Reports (FIRs) against a total of 50 individuals, including Fahim
Khan. The cyber police are actively investigating the role of these individuals
in inciting violence and spreading provocative content online.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lohit Matani, who
leads the cyber crime department, revealed that authorities have sought information
from major social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly
Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. They have requested the blocking of 230
profiles suspected of sharing misleading and inflammatory content.
"Once we receive the necessary information from
social media platforms, the accused will be identified and arrested,"
DCP Matani stated during a press briefing.
Role of Social Media in Spreading Misinformation
The investigation has uncovered that misleading videos
were widely circulated online, triggering unrest in Nagpur on Monday night.
These videos allegedly distorted facts and glorified violence, leading
to an escalation in tensions.
According to police sources, Fahim Khan allegedly edited
and circulated a protest video concerning Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Additionally, he is accused of sharing videos that glorified violent actions,
further fueling the unrest.
The four FIRs specifically mention:
- The creation
and circulation of provocative videos related to the protest against Aurangzeb’s
tomb.
- Sharing
violent incidents on social media to incite more riots.
- Posting
indecent and inflammatory content that led to heightened tensions.
- Promoting
glorification of riots and provocative chants to provoke further
disturbances.
Curfew and Law Enforcement Actions
Following the violent clashes, authorities imposed strict
curfew measures in several areas of Nagpur. However, after three
days of relative calm, restrictions were lifted or relaxed in some
parts of the city on Thursday.
The violence erupted when mobs went on a rampage in central
Nagpur, fueled by rumors that a ‘chadar’ (sacred cloth) with holy
inscriptions was burned during protests organized by Vishwa Hindu
Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal. These protests were demanding the removal
of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to identify
and arrest individuals involved in inciting violence and spreading
misinformation. The cyber crime department continues to analyze digital
evidence, while security forces remain on high alert to prevent
further escalation.
Authorities have also issued strict warnings against
the misuse of social media for spreading false information. The Nagpur
police have urged citizens to verify facts before sharing content
online and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Conclusion
The Nagpur violence incident highlights the dangerous
role of misinformation in fueling unrest. Law enforcement agencies are
taking strict action against those responsible, ensuring that justice
is served. With investigations ongoing, the focus remains on maintaining
law and order while preventing further communal tensions in the region.