In Himachal Pradesh, college dropout arrested for keeping ‘sensitive and objectionable material’ on phone

“On May 28, the police conducted a raid at the suspect’s residence, took him into custody, and brought him to the Dehra Police Station for questioning. Upon examining his mobile phone, we found sensitive and objectionable content that falls under the purview of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” said a police officer.

Mayank Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dehra, told The Indian Express, “Indeed, sensitive and objectionable material was found on the suspect’s mobile phone, which could endanger the sovereignty of the country. However, we have not yet found any conclusive evidence that he was directly involved in acts of spying”.

“The suspect has been arrested under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. We received a tip-off from Central agencies regarding his suspicious activities, and placed him under surveillance for at least a week. He was apprehended after his actions raised serious red flags,” said Chaudhary.

Section 152 of the BNS, 2023 pertains to criminal acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

“If we find evidence of spying, relevant charges will be added in the FIR. The seized cell phone was sent for forensic examination,” Chaudhary added.

While senior officers declined to divulge the exact nature of the sensitive content found on Abhishek’s phone, a source said his phone contains pictures and video clips of “sophisticated weapons, armouries, and other material that would be highly unusual for any ordinary person to possess”. “The ongoing investigation will determine whether Abhishek personally recorded this material or if it was shared with him through social media by people across the border.”

Sources also said Abhishek comes from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family. His father, Rajender Singh, works as a private driver, and his mother is a homemaker. They added that Abhishek is unemployed, and takes up catering work at private parties occasionally.

A case has been registered under the relevant sections at the Dehra Police Station, and further legal proceedings are underway as per the law, said the officer.