Three held in Meerut for 'pro-Pakistan posts'

MEERUT: Three persons were arrested in Meerut for allegedly posting objectionable posts on social media in "favour of Pakistan". The arrests came as authorities intensified online surveillance amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions .

The first arrest was made in Ruknpur village under Bhavanpur limits, where a man posted an "objectionable" picture on WhatsApp. Villagers reported the matter to police, following which the man was taken into custody after preliminary verification. SP rural Rakesh Kumar Mishra said, "In the current national context, any separatist or anti-national behaviour is unacceptable. The accused was produced before the court on Thursday."

In another incident, city activist Vinod Jatav approached the Civil Lines police on Wednesday with "evidence" against a youth for "pro-Pakistan remarks" on his Instagram account. He was employed at a salon in Prabhat Nagar.

According to police, when Jatav and his associates reached the salon, a group supporting the youth allegedly assaulted them and issued death threats. Based on Jatav's complaint, police registered a case under BNS sections 152 (attempt or conspiracy to wage war against sovereignty of India), 115(2) (causing hurt), and 351(2) ( criminal intimidation ). The accused youth and the salon owner were later arrested.

SSP Dr Vipin Tada said, "No anti-national activity will be tolerated. We are maintaining strict surveillance on social media to curb such incidents."