Police in the Vasai region of Maharashtra took a 25-year-old man into custody on Wednesday following complaints from local residents about him playing what they described as anti-national music in his barber shop.
Arrest Under New Legal Provision
The accused has been identified as Abdul Rehman Shah, a barber who runs a shop in the Chinchoti area of Naigaon. The Naigaon police formally booked him under Section 197 (1) (d) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This specific section deals with publishing or circulating false or misleading information that is likely to jeopardize the sovereignty, unity, integrity, or security of India.
Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Hajare confirmed the arrest and the legal action. Following his detention, Shah was presented before a local court. The court subsequently ordered that he be held in police custody for two days for further investigation.
Background and Local Complaints
According to police officials, Abdul Rehman Shah originally hails from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh and moved to Naigaon only a few years ago to set up his business.
The arrest came after sustained complaints from people living in the vicinity of his shop. Pradeep Mishra, a member of the Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh, was among those who raised the issue. Mishra claimed that the accused had a habit of playing the objectionable songs regularly. He further alleged that despite repeated requests and warnings from local residents to stop, Shah continued with the practice.
Ongoing Investigation and Implications
The case highlights the application of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in a scenario involving alleged actions against national integrity. The police are now investigating the specific content of the songs played and Shah's intent behind playing them. The two-day custodial remand will allow investigators to question the accused in detail and gather further evidence.
This incident in Vasai taluka has brought focus to how local disputes and allegations concerning national sentiment are being addressed under the updated legal framework. The police action demonstrates a swift response to community grievances in matters perceived as threats to national unity and security.
