Chhattisgarh: Man Arrested For Allegedly Posting 'Defamatory' Comments Against CM Bhupesh Baghel

A man was arrested by the Raipur Police on June 9 after he allegedly posted an ‘objectionable post’ against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. 34-year-old Lalit Yadav reportedly made ‘abusive and derogatory’ comment on CM Bhagel’s official Facebook page’s post.

As per reports, he was booked under Section 67(A) of the Information Technology Act that deals with online obscenity.

Booked For ‘Objectionable Post’

A 70-crore worth skywalk has been proposed to be constructed between Jaistambh Chowk to Shastri Chowk areas in Raipur, the state capital to facilitate the movement of pedestrians. The construction for the same was started during the previous BJP government. However, the project was halted after the Congress came to power in the state. The Baghel government is now seeking public opinion on whether to complete the project or halt and pull down the partial erected structure.

Yadav, a resident of the Saragaon in Raipur district, allegedly made a derogatory comment on a Facebook post seeking public opinion on the construction of the skywalk.

Raipur SP Arif Sheikh said, “These comments were not critical. They were abusive and objectionable. Which is why that section has been applied after the investigation found the allegations correct.”

Arrests Across States For ‘Objectionable Comments’ Against CMs

A recent statistics provided by the Kerala government revealed that Police cases against as many as 119 people have been filed in the last year. These people have allegedly abused CM Pinarayi Vijayan. Police officials said that most of the arrests are in connection with serious social media abuses including death threats against CM Pinarayi.

Data says that out of 119 booked, 12 are government employees. Department-level action has been initiated against another 29. Reportedly, the cases were registered under offences ranging from criminal intimidation to obscenity.

Uttar Pradesh police have till now arrested six people, including four journalists for allegedly making defamatory comments about UP CM Yogi.

Freelance journalist Prashant Kanojia was arrested by UP Police from his Delhi west residence, for allegedly posting defamatory content against CM Yogi. He was subsequently released after the Supreme Court said that ‘fundamental right to liberty is “sacrosanct” and “non-negotiable”.’

Three people of the Noida-based Nation Live were arrested. The police said that they have not only been arrested for ‘defamation’ but also for disturbing public order and harmony.

Two other persons have been arrested in Gorakhpur district for allegedly posting comments against CM Yogi on social media.

Also Read: UP: Journalist ‘Abused, Locked Up & Urinated Upon’ By Railway Police While Covering Derailment Of Goods Train