Who Was Arrested in Tripura for Sharing Provocative Content on Facebook?
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Synopsis
In Tripura, a man was arrested for using a fake Facebook profile to spread communal content. This incident raises questions about social media safety and freedom of expression. Meanwhile, another arrest highlights the ongoing tensions between digital creators and the government. What does this mean for online discourse in India?
Key Takeaways
- 41-year-old Sudip Debbarma arrested for using a fake profile.
- Communal content aimed at disrupting public peace.
- Legal actions under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
- Madhabi Biswas faces charges for obscenity.
- Ongoing debate about freedom of expression in India.
Agartala, Nov 4 (NationPress) A 41-year-old man was taken into custody in Tripura on Tuesday for disseminating communal and inflammatory content on social media through a fake female account, according to an official statement.
A representative from the police disclosed that the Cyber Crime Unit of the Tripura Police Crime Branch (TPCB) apprehended Sudip Debbarma (41) for sharing content designed to disrupt public peace and harmony on Facebook. The TPCB had previously initiated legal action on October 22 under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against an individual by the name of Rinki Debbarma, who operated a Facebook profile under that identity.
Authorities traced the origin of the Facebook account and identified Sudip Debbarma as the individual behind the impersonation. Investigations confirmed that a male individual was masquerading as a female to manage this account. Following thorough verification, Debbarma, a resident of Kalyanpur in the Khowai district, was arrested by the Cyber Crime Unit of TPCB.
He was subsequently presented before a local court, which ordered him to be held in police custody for five days.
In another incident on October 26, a woman digital content creator from Agartala was detained for allegedly propagating obscenity on social media against various prominent figures.
A police representative explained that following the arrest of Madhabi Biswas, she was taken to the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court, where she was initially remanded to three days in police custody, and is now in judicial detention. Biswas, who had gained notoriety for her unique style of criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, former Chief Minister and BJP Lok Sabha member Biplab Kumar Deb, and Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Mayor and BJP MLA Dipak Majumder on various issues, had been a regular content creator on her Facebook channel.
Numerous AMC corporators and BJP leaders lodged over a dozen complaints against Biswas at various police stations in Agartala. The officer-in-charge at the West Agartala police station, Rana Chatterjee, stated, 'Biswas was accused of spreading obscenity through social media platforms. A case under multiple provisions of IT and BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023) has been filed against her.'
Opposition leaders from CPI-M and Congress, along with the Tripura Human Rights Organisation, an NGO advocating for rights, have condemned the arrest of digital content creator Biswas.
'For several days, the police had been pressuring her to cease criticizing the state government on social media, yet she persisted. This is why she has been arrested. We demand her unconditional release. Her arrest serves as a warning to others not to criticize the government,' stated senior advocate and President of the rights organization Purushottam Ray Barman.
Point of View
It is essential to approach these incidents with a balanced perspective. While the use of fake profiles to incite communal tension is deeply concerning, the arrests of digital content creators must be scrutinized to ensure they do not infringe upon freedom of expression. Upholding democratic values is crucial in navigating these complex issues.
NationPress
04/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sudip Debbarma arrested?
Sudip Debbarma was arrested for posting communal and provocative content on social media using a fake female profile.
What actions were taken against Madhabi Biswas?
Madhabi Biswas was arrested for allegedly spreading obscenity against prominent personalities on social media.
What laws were invoked in these cases?
Both cases involved provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and IT laws.
How have political leaders reacted to these arrests?
Opposition leaders and human rights organizations have condemned the arrests, citing concerns over freedom of expression.
What implications do these arrests have for social media users?
These arrests raise significant questions about the limits of free speech and the accountability of social media users.
