BJP worker, barber booked for ‘objectionable’ posts online

Police said that both incidents occurred against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and are being investigated in accordance with the law.

According to sources, tension flared in Ballia after a “controversial” social media post allegedly shared by a local resident went viral. A group of residents objected to the content and staged a protest, demanding action against the accused. The man was later identified as Anil Soni.

“Anil Soni has been booked under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious belief,” said Station House Officer of Rasra police station, Jitendra Singh.

No arrest has been made yet, police added.

A video circulating on social media purportedly shows a man claiming to be a close relative of Anil Soni alleging that some people are trying to give the matter a “communal tone for political reasons.”

On being contacted, BJP’s Ballia district president Sanjay Mishra said Anil Soni is district president of Pichhda Morcha.

In a separate case, Sant Kabir Nagar police booked a local barber for allegedly posting “pro-Pakistan” online, after which some local residents informed the police. The suspect, Rojan Ali, 20, resides in an area under Khalilabad police station limits. A group of locals allegedly confronted accused Rojan Ali and physically assaulted him before the police arrived and took him into custody, said sources.

“He has been arrested on charges of breach of peace,” said Circle Officer Ajit Chauhan of Khalilabad in Sant Kabir Nagar.