Two arrested for offensive social media comments on Mahakumbh and Hindu deities

Two men, including a journalist, were arrested on Tuesday evening for allegedly posting objectionable comments on social media about the Mahakumbh and Hindu deities. The arrests followed outrage among members of the Hindu community and prompted authorities to enhance social media monitoring.

Kamran Alvi, a journalist with over 9,000 followers on Facebook, was arrested for uploading a video that offended the sentiments of the Hindu community. SHO Alok Mani Tripathi confirmed that Alvi was promptly apprehended and charged under Section 299 of the BNS Act for deliberate acts intended to insult religious beliefs. He will be presented in court.

In a separate case, Abhishek Kumar, a resident of Boja village near Jaidpur, was arrested for making similar offensive remarks on social media. SHO Amit Pratap Singh stated that a case has been registered against Kumar for his objectionable posts about the Mahakumbh and Hindu deities.

The arrests come amid the ongoing Mahakumbh, a significant religious gathering held every 12 years in Prayagraj, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. Authorities have urged vigilance and are investigating others involved in circulating such content.

In a related incident earlier this month, a 30-year-old man from Bareilly was arrested for hateful social media posts threatening violence against Hindu women, the Ram temple in Ayodhya, and the Mahakumbh. Acting on a tip-off from VHP leader KK Shankdhar, the police apprehended him within 12 hours and charged him under sections of the BNS Act.

The police have reiterated their commitment to taking swift action against those promoting hatred and disrupting communal harmony during this sacred event.