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Nine Arrested for promotion of Hatred
Nine Arrested for Inciting Enmity During Milad-un-Nabi Procession in Hyderabad
On Thursday, the Mangalhat police arrested nine individuals, including three juveniles, for allegedly inciting enmity between different religious groups during a Milad-un-Nabi procession in Hyderabad. The accused are reported to have caused unrest while participating in the religious event, raising concerns about maintaining peace and harmony in the community. Here is a detailed account of the incident and its aftermath.
Details of the Arrests
The police identified and arrested nine people for their alleged involvement in creating unrest during the Milad-un-Nabi procession. The arrested individuals include Shaik Omer (24) from Yakutpura, Adnan Baig (20) from Talabkatta, Mohammed Fayaz (20) and Mir Abrar Ali Khan (20), both from Amannagar, Mohd Osman (18) from Gowlipura, and Mohammed Abdul Razaq (18) from Chaderghat. Additionally, three juveniles were apprehended. The police also mentioned that four more individuals are currently absconding.
The procession, which began at Ghode ki Khabar and proceeded towards Jummerat Bazaar, reportedly turned into a source of disturbance. According to the police, these individuals engaged in activities that escalated tensions between different groups. This led the authorities to file a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the BNS Act, as their actions were deemed a threat to public peace.
Charges Filed Against the Accused
The charges against the arrested individuals are serious, and the police have invoked several sections of the law. The accused have been charged under IPC sections 126 (2) (Wrongful Restraint), 115 (2) (Voluntarily to cause hurt), 118 (1) (Voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), and 299 (Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings). Additionally, they face charges under sections 191 (2) (rioting), 191 (3) (rioting with deadly weapons), and 190 (unlawful assembly) of the BNS Act.
These sections collectively address a range of offenses, from wrongful restraint and rioting to incitement of religious tensions. The swift legal action underscores the importance of maintaining law and order during religious events, particularly when they involve large gatherings of people from different communities.
Additional Arrests for Spreading Misinformation
In a separate but related development, the Shahinayathgunj police arrested four individuals for allegedly spreading misinformation during the Milad-un-Nabi procession. The accused—Naresh Vyas (43), a cameraman for the YouTube channel 9 Bharat Samachar; Shaik Shaukath Ahmed (39), chairman of 5in News; Mahesh Kumar (51), chairman of 9 Bharat Samachar; and Sandeep Bohra (55), a businessman from Baghlingampally—were apprehended for sharing misleading videos on social media.
These videos were reportedly related to a minor skirmish that took place during the procession at Mangalhat. The police stated that the individuals involved exaggerated the situation, sharing the content with the intent to incite hatred and enmity between different religious communities.
Role of Social Media and Public Response
The involvement of social media in spreading misinformation during such events is becoming an increasingly serious concern. According to Chandra Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West), the videos shared by the accused aimed to inflame tensions and disrupt communal harmony. Furthermore, inflammatory statements allegedly made by Goshamahal MLA T Raja Singh about the Milad-un-Nabi procession and the police’s response to a generator fire near Charminar were also reportedly exaggerated on social platforms.
The police have since appealed to the public to avoid sharing false news and content that could lead to further unrest. Ensuring peace and stability during religious occasions is critical, and the circulation of misleading information only complicates the efforts of law enforcement to maintain harmony.
Appeal for Peace and Unity
Following these arrests, Hyderabad police have called upon the public to act responsibly and refrain from sharing or amplifying misinformation on social media platforms. Misinformation can have severe consequences, especially when it involves sensitive issues like religion. The police reiterated that false content and videos, if shared with malicious intent, could disturb the peace and tranquillity of the region.
Community leaders and the public are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement to prevent further disturbances. While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it comes with the responsibility to ensure that content shared online does not incite violence or hatred.
Conclusion
The arrest of nine individuals for inciting enmity during the Milad-un-Nabi procession in Hyderabad has highlighted the need for maintaining peace and ensuring responsible behavior during religious events. In addition to the arrests, the police have taken strict action against those spreading misinformation, sending a clear message about the importance of safeguarding communal harmony. As the investigation continues, the authorities have emphasized the role of the public in ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and police reports. The individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Any statements attributed to specific individuals should be viewed as part of ongoing legal investigations.
