Mar 28: Following a complaint about her Whatsapp status on Pakistan’s Republic Day, a 25-year-old woman in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district was arrested by police.
The woman, identified as Kuthma Sheikh, is from Mudhol city and is a student at a neighbouring madrasa.
The report cites authorities as saying that she wrote in Urdu on her WhatsApp status on March 23, Pakistan’s Republic Day, “Allah Har Mulk me Ittihaad…Aman…Sukoon…Ata Farma Maula”.
Kuthma Sheikh was arrested after Arun Kumar Bhajantri, an activist, filed a complaint with the Mudhol Police Station.
In his police report, Arun claimed the woman was aiming to stoke tensions and demanded that she be charged with treason.
Charged under Indian Penal Code Sections 153(A) (inciting hatred between groups based on religion, race, or other characteristics) and 505(2) (inciting hatred between groups based on religion, race, or other factors) (making statements that promote hostility between groups).
As per the police, she was detained to maintain peace and order. “Her status might be interpreted as a celebration of Pakistan’s Republic Day,” quoted a police official. “If we hadn’t moved quickly enough, it could have resulted in rioting, protests, and counter-protests,” the official added.
It was informed that Kuthma Sheikh was taken into custody on March 24, and was given bail the next day.
