Is a Woman Content Creator in Tripura Really Arrested for Obscenity?
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Synopsis
In a controversial move, Madhabi Biswas, a digital content creator from Agartala, has been arrested for allegedly spreading obscene content on social media. Her outspoken critiques of key political figures have sparked significant backlash, leading to her detention. This incident raises questions about freedom of expression in India and the boundaries of online commentary.
Key Takeaways
- Madhabi Biswas arrested for alleged obscenity on social media.
- Numerous complaints filed by local leaders against her.
- Her critiques targeted key political figures, raising freedom of expression issues.
- Human Rights organizations are calling for her release.
- This incident reflects ongoing tensions between government and dissent.
Agartala, Oct 27 (NationPress) A woman digital content creator from Agartala has been taken into custody in Tripura, accused of disseminating obscene content via social media that targets several prominent figures, according to police reports on Monday.
A police spokesperson indicated that following the apprehension of content creator Madhabi Biswas on Sunday, she was presented at the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court on Monday. Authorities requested her seven-day custody, but the court granted her a three-day remand for police custody.
Recently, Biswas gained attention for her unique approach to critiquing figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, former Chief Minister and BJP's Lok Sabha member Biplab Kumar Deb, and Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Mayor and BJP MLA Dipak Majumder on various topics through her Facebook channel.
Numerous AMC corporators and BJP leaders lodged over a dozen complaints against her at different police stations throughout Agartala.
Following a complaint filed on Sunday by a woman named Paramita Ghosal, a police team led by senior officials conducted a raid at Biswas's home in Jogendranagar, located in the West Tripura district, resulting in her arrest.
The officer-in-charge at the West Agartala police station, Rana Chatterjee, stated on Monday, "Biswas is accused of disseminating obscenity through various social media channels. A case has been registered against her under multiple provisions of the IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023."
A complaint was also lodged against her last month at the East Agartala police station for her commentary on the Prime Minister’s visit to the Tripura Sundari temple on September 22.
On that date, the Prime Minister inaugurated the recently redeveloped 524-year-old Mata Tripura Sundari temple and paid homage at the Kali temple.
On Monday, the Tripura Human Rights Organisation, an NGO advocating for civil liberties, condemned Biswas's arrest. Senior advocate and organization President Purushottam Ray Barman stated, "The police have been pressuring her to halt her criticisms of the state government on social media, but she persisted. Her arrest serves as a warning to others not to criticize the government. We demand her immediate release."
Barman also emphasized his opposition to any form of obscenity or defamation against individuals. In a related incident, last October, Tripura police apprehended journalist Saikat Talapatra in West Bengal for allegedly maligning Chief Minister Manik Saha and others through his online platforms, leading to multiple cases being filed against him in Tripura.
Over recent years, Talapatra has also faced allegations of defaming other political figures, including former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Tipra Motha Party leader Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, and Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman through his YouTube and Facebook pages.
Point of View
The arrest of Madhabi Biswas raises critical questions about the balance between free speech and the legal ramifications of online content. While the law must be upheld, it is vital to ensure that such actions do not stifle legitimate political discourse. NationPress believes in protecting the rights of individuals to express their views while also promoting responsible communication.
NationPress
30/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Madhabi Biswas?
Madhabi Biswas was arrested for allegedly spreading obscene content on social media targeting several prominent political figures.
Why was she arrested?
Her arrest followed numerous complaints from local politicians and was initiated by a police investigation into her online activities.
What is the impact of her arrest on free speech?
Her arrest has sparked discussions regarding freedom of expression in India and whether it signifies a suppression of dissenting voices.
Has there been previous action taken against content creators in Tripura?
Yes, in October last year, journalist Saikat Talapatra was arrested for similar charges related to maligning politicians through online platforms.
What do human rights organizations think about this incident?
The Tripura Human Rights Organisation condemned the arrest and called for her unconditional release, asserting that it reflects a larger issue of government repression.
