14 booked in Gujarat, 3 in West Bengal, one in Uttar Pradesh for alleged anti-India posts on social media

KalimNews and Agencies, May 13, 2025 : In a significant crackdown following Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, authorities have arrested 14 individuals across West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly posting anti-national and morale-damaging content on social media. The arrests were made after local BJP leaders flagged the content to district police, leading to legal actions under the Indian Penal Code.

Among those arrested, a primary school teacher and a businessman are prominent figures. The teacher, identified as Shamsher Alam Khan, who is posted in Egra in East Midnapore, is accused of making inflammatory remarks online about India’s position in the ongoing conflict with Pakistan. His posts included comments claiming India was suffering in the conflict and even included the slogan "Pakistan Zindabad." Khan was taken into police custody after inconsistencies in his responses to initial questioning. He has been booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 147 for waging war, Section 152 for acts endangering the nation’s sovereignty and integrity, and Section 299 for deliberate and malicious intent to outrage religious feelings.

Similarly, Milan Sheikh was arrested from Katwa in East Burdwan district for making similar derogatory posts. One such post claimed that India had accepted defeat after the conflict began, accompanied by a remark mocking the situation. Imran Sheikh, another individual, was detained in Barjora, Bankura district, on similar charges. All arrests were initiated following complaints from local BJP leadership, who reported these posts to district authorities.

In Uttar Pradesh, Mohammad Sajid, a resident of Girdharpur village in Bareilly, was arrested for posting a video on Facebook in support of Pakistan, including the slogan "Pakistan Zindabad." He was apprehended after the content was flagged by the police, following widespread concerns about the potential impact of such posts on national security.

The arrests reflect an ongoing effort by law enforcement to curb the spread of content deemed harmful to national unity and security, particularly in light of the heightened tensions following Operation Sindoor. Authorities are continuing to investigate the individuals arrested in both states for further links to anti-national activities.