UP Man Arrested Under BNSS for Forcing Muslim Youths to Chant 'Jai Shri Ram' During Holi
In a disturbing incident from Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district, a 30-year-old man has been arrested under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) section 170. The arrest was made on Thursday after a video surfaced online, purportedly showing the accused, Devesh Chaudhary, smearing two Muslim youths with Holi colors without their consent and coercing them to chant the religious slogan 'Jai Shri Ram'.
Incident Details and Police Action
The incident occurred on Wednesday along the Agra-Aligarh road in the Sadabad area of Hathras. According to police reports, Chaudhary, a resident of Sadabad, filmed the act and shared it on social media with a provocative caption: "If you live in India, you'll have to say Jai Shri Ram." The two victims, aged between 15 and 19 years, are from Hathras and have not filed a formal complaint, as their family members reportedly wish to avoid further trouble.
Local police took suo moto cognisance of the video, which they feared could incite communal tension, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. They initiated an investigation and issued a challan under BNSS section 170—a provision that empowers police to arrest individuals without a warrant as a preventive measure. Previously, such actions fell under CrPC section 151.
Official Statements and Legal Proceedings
DSP (Sadabad) Amit Pathak stated, "After taking cognisance of the clip, the accused was held under BNSS section. Investigation is on and further action will be taken accordingly." SHO (Sadabad) Vijay Singh added that Chaudhary will be produced in court following the arrest.
The police emphasized that the arrest was made to prevent potential unrest, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation. The BNSS section 170 allows for preventive detention to maintain public order, and in this case, it was invoked to address the inflammatory nature of the video.
Broader Context and Implications
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about communal harmony in the region, particularly during religious festivals. The use of social media to disseminate such content adds a layer of complexity, as it can quickly amplify tensions. Authorities are urging the public to exercise restraint and report any similar incidents to prevent escalation.
As the investigation continues, further legal actions are expected based on the findings. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting religious sentiments and upholding law and order in diverse communities.
