An FIR has been registered against a lawyer in Haryana’s Nuh for allegedly posting “objectionable content with the intent to incite riots” ahead of an annual procession, police said Monday.
Tahir Devla, the advocate, allegedly posted about the Jalabhishek Yatra, which is scheduled on July 22 in Nuh. The annual procession is organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and covers three temples in Nuh — Nalhar, Ferozepur Jhirka and Singar.
A complaint was submitted against Devla on Sunday at the Cyber Crime Police Station by constable Manoj Kumar who is stationed in the social media cell, said police. “Devla allegedly posted a comment on his Facebook (page) with the intent of inciting riots during the proposed Jalabhishek Yatra by spreading enmity, hurting religious sentiments, provoking the public, and creating obstacles in the yatra,” said Nuh Police spokesperson Krishan. The FIR is filed under sections 196, 299, 352, 300, and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Tahir Rupariya, the counsel for Devla, said they would seek anticipatory bail on Tuesday.
“The investigating officer has sent notice and Devla will appear before district and sessions judge Sushil Kumar,” he said.
Last year, violence broke out during the yatra, leading to six deaths. Bajrang Dal members and a cleric at a mosque in Gurgaon were among the deceased.
Nuh Superintendent of Police Vijay Pratap has also made a public appeal to not post any videos, photos, or documents on social media that use indecent language aimed at hurting any individual, caste, religion, or community. Strict legal action will be taken against any person or institution posting objectionable content, he said. He added that social media was being monitored constantly. Police also appealed to people to maintain communal harmony and not pay attention to any rumours.
Last week, Faridabad Police apprehended a teenager from Rajasthan for allegedly sending death threats and demanding money from cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi. Both cases come days after the VHP announced the yatra will take place on July 22 in Nuh.
