Uttar Pradesh police are setting an example against those who are trying to incite violence or disturb communal harmony using the medium of social media especially during the highly sensitive election season.
New Delhi: Posting communal messages on social media will not only lead to suspension of account but will land you behind the bars under stringent ‘gangster act’.
Uttar Pradesh police are setting an example against those who are trying to incite violence or disturb communal harmony using the medium of social media, especially during the highly sensitive election season.
Azamgarh police have booked two people under stringent gangster act for posting objectionable content against the Hindu god. They had posted an obscene video of Hindu god along with a link of a blog which could influence violence. On scanning their social media accounts the police also found that they had posted several anti-India comments and also abused Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The menace of such post on social media is growing and strict action against such offenders is the only solution. Usually, those involved in such crimes don’t realise the magnitude of damage they are causing and also thinks that they can get away easily. Now we are booking offenders who are involved in inciting violence through social media under gangster act,” Triveni Singh, superintendent of the police Azamgarh told MyNation.
Social media platforms have become the breeding ground of hate and communal post. In past several such instances have occurred where religious sentiments were hurt on social media which sparked violence.
The problem is monitoring and tracking such users. Usually, when a user spots such comments and reports the matter with the social media giants they block their account. No stringent or legal action is taken until a user makes a formal complaint with the police. There is provision under IT act and IPC but punishment is not too harsh.
Ahead of Lok Sabha elections, the government had asked all the social media platforms to ensure no content should invoke violence, create division in society, pose a threat to India's security or let foreign powers meddle in Indian elections.
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