Tiruchi district cyber crime police on Wednesday arrested BJP State media wing secretary Sowdha Mani on charges of spreading rumours defaming the State government on social media.
According to police sources, DMK functionary A.K. Arun lodged a complaint with Superintendent of Police, Tiruchi, V. Varun Kumar, seeking action against Ms Sowdha Mani for sharing a video clip of three school girls drinking beverages, claiming it to be alcohol.
Through her X handle, she shared the video clip on March 4, with a caption claiming, “ It hurts to watch the future pillars of India in such a disorderly manner. The Dravidian model is committing atrocities to ruin future generations. Liquor, ganja.... Dravidian rule is a curse for Tamil Nadu.
The complainant alleged the post was an intentional act to spread rumours and defame the State government and its institutions.
Based on his complaint, the Tiruchi district cyber crime police booked her under Sections 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (1)(b) (publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquility) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and Juvenile Justice Act.
She was arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
