Bengaluru, 13 May

A 25-year-old electrician was arrested in the city for allegedly posting a “provocative video” on social media, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Bandepalya police took suo motu cognisance after the video went viral and booked the accused under various sections of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code.

The accused, identified as Nawaz, a resident of Mangammanapalya, had uploaded the video using a social media account under the handle "Public Servant." In the video, Nawaz allegedly criticised the Prime Minister for escalating tensions with Pakistan and questioned why a bomb had not been dropped on the PM’s residence.

Police said Nawaz’s video incited hatred and could potentially disturb communal harmony. He has been remanded to judicial custody and sent to the Bengaluru Central Jail.

The incident comes close on the heels of another similar case in Mangaluru, where police booked a postgraduate student Reshma N Bariga from Belalu near Belthangady, for allegedly posting a message on Instagram, criticising Operation Sindhoor and Indian armed forces’ strike on Pakistan’s territory. 

Konaje police have registered a separate case and are investigating.

Police have reiterated that inflammatory content on social media, especially during sensitive times, will invite strict legal action.