Police books cases against three for posting provocative messages on messaging app

Shivamogga: The police have booked cases against three youths on Sunday on the charge of posting provocative messages and videos on a messaging app, with regard to the controversy that had erupted over girls wearing burqas to classes at Sahyadri Arts and Commerce College and Sahyadri Science College unit colleges of Kuvempu University in the city.

According to the police, Abdul Rehman and Irfan, residents of Shivamogga city who are working in Saudi Arabia at present, had sent videos to a group on the app consisting of individuals in Shivamogga city expressing anguish against anti-burqa protests. A counter video was posted by another member, Preetham.

The police have registered

suo motu cases under section 153A(promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, caste and language), 504(intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 505(statements conducing to public mischief) and 507(criminal intimidation) of Indian Penal Code against the three.

Superintendent of Police Abhinav Khare has told press persons that, after securing the passport numbers of the accused working in Saudi Arabia, lookout notices would be issued against them. A special police team has been formed to nab Preetham, who had gone absconding, he said.

Mr. Khare said that stern action would be initiated against persons who exchanged provocative messages intended to harm peace and amity on social media. Cases will also be booked against the administrators of the WhatsApp group in which such messages are posted, he added.