Cops grill 3 for spreading MMS,provocative SMSes

Two cases were registered at Kondhwa and Cantonment police stations under Section 153 of the Indian Penal Code (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and other aspects) and sections of the Information Technology Act. The three who were questioned

Deputy commissioner of police (Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Wing) Sanjay Shinde told Newsline,“We have not yet arrested any of the three persons. We had called them for questioning based on our investigation. Objectionable content has been found on their cell phones. A detailed investigation into the source of these provocative SMSes and MMSes is currently on. Strong action will be taken against those found involved in spreading these.”

Sources said more suspects have been identified and probe is on about their role in spreading the messages.

Meanwhile,police arrested six persons for allegedly assaulting and robbing a resident of Manipur. Joint commissioner of police Sanjivkumar Singhal said the motive was robbery and it was not connected to the attacks on the NE residents.

‘We are with you’: Pune pledges support to community

Meetings of residents of Northeastern states staying in Pune were held on Sunday in the wake of several people leaving the city.

At City Church,a special service was organised for NE residents. Thomas Dabre,the Bishop of Pune diocese said,“The incidents in Pune and other cities are saddening. We extend our support to those affected. The people of the Northeastern states have been part of the India’s rich and diverse culture. All institutions under Pune diocese will pray for the welfare of our brothers.”

My Home India,an organisation working for the students from NE states,also held a meeting of the students. Sunil Deodhar,the founder of the organisation,demanded that Section 307 of the IPC (attempt to murder) be applied in the case of attack on Premanand Khomdrom,a student from Manipur. “Police are yet to register a case in the case in which he was targeted for the second time. Stronger sections should be imposed on the suspects instead of non-cognizable offences,” he said.

A meeting of NE students was also held at the Sangvi police station. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders held a meeting of NE students at Symbiosis International University. NCP Rajya Sabha MP Vandana Chavan said,“It was a positive sign that none of the students from Symbiosis left Pune. A team of NCP leaders spoke to the NE students from the University and assured them about the safety. More than the students,their parents were worried.”