Nagpur Unrest: Maharashtra Cyber Targets Provocative Online Material; Links to Bangladesh Found
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Cyber agency has taken action against social media accounts spreading inflammatory content linked to the Nagpur violence. A Facebook account from Bangladesh has been identified as a source of provocative posts threatening to incite riots, prompting legal notices for immediate content takedowns.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Cyber acts against inflammatory posts online.
- Collaboration with Nagpur City Cyber Police for investigations.
- Discovered a Facebook account from Bangladesh inciting unrest.
- Legal actions initiated under IT Act and BNSS.
- Public urged to avoid sharing unverified content.
Mumbai, March 20 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cyber, the key agency for cybersecurity and cybercrime enforcement, has commenced actions against social media accounts disseminating inflammatory content.
In collaboration with the Nagpur City Cyber Police Station, Maharashtra Cyber has pinpointed numerous social media accounts involved in spreading objectionable content related to the violence that unfolded in Nagpur on March 17.
The cyber cell has also traced a Facebook account managed from Bangladesh, which reportedly aimed to incite widespread riots in Nagpur, according to sources on Thursday. The post originates from an individual in Bangladesh who described the incident as minor, threatening larger riots in the future. Authorities have initiated an investigation.
“Over 140 instances of objectionable content spanning Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have been detected and reported. Consequently, notices under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 have been issued to hasten the removal of such content. Furthermore, notices under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 have been dispatched to reveal the true identities of the individuals behind these accounts. Stringent legal actions will be pursued against those accountable for propagating such provocative content,” stated a media release from the office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra State Cyber Department.
“The content in question is intentionally crafted to offend the sentiments of a specific religious group, instigate communal discord, and exacerbate the existing law and order issues in the state. By manipulating deeply ingrained beliefs, such material seeks to provoke the populace, foster division, and intensify rifts within communities. These actions not only contravene legal statutes but also represent a grave danger to peace and stability,” remarked the department in a release.
“The Maharashtra Cyber Department is unwavering in its dedication to identifying and prosecuting individuals who exploit digital platforms to disrupt communal harmony. Citizens are encouraged to exercise caution when sharing information online and to avoid engaging with or amplifying unverified or objectionable content,” the department stated.
“Committed to upholding a secure and lawful digital landscape, the Maharashtra Cyber Department actively scrutinizes online platforms, including social media, to detect and act against objectionable content that jeopardizes public order, social cohesion, or national security,” the statement added.
The actions of Maharashtra Cyber follow Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' remarks in the state Assembly on Tuesday, asserting, “Maharashtra is a stable and progressive state known for its peace and harmony. The government will enforce strict measures against anyone who disrupts law and order in the state.”
He assured that law and order will be preserved to ensure a 'safe and prosperous Maharashtra’.
“No one should disrupt the peace in Maharashtra. Anyone who attempts to do so will face consequences,” he cautioned.
