Karnataka’s cyber crime police have detained a social media user known as @MumbaichaDon (Bhiku Mhatre) for a post he shared on Twitter against the Congress’ manifesto.
My father @MumbaichaDon has been arrested by @DgpKarnataka @CPBlr @BlrCityPolice A mail was sent by TWITTER and suddenly in the evening the Police showed up at the doorstep and took away my father! FIR is totally NOT pertinent! #ReleaseBhikuMhatre pic.twitter.com/TrTXlxYdlD
— Nagesh Naik (@nageshvnaik) May 18, 2024
The user, identified as Vinit Naik who goes by the name on Bhiku Mhatre (a name inspired by a character from the 1998 movie “Satya”), was apprehended for circulating an edited video of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah discussing reservations, as well as for a tweet criticizing the Congress manifesto.
Bhiku Mhatre had written, “Throw this in face of Every Liberal & Every Piddi who was arguing that CONgress Menifesto doesn’t mention “Mu$£ims” specifically & it includes SC/STs Also. CONgress WANTS TO TAKE AWAY WEALTH FROM HINDUS & DISTRIBUTING TO MU$£IMS “ONLY” AS IT HATES HINDUS INCL. SC/STs.”
However, now the tweet has been deleted.
A complaint lodged by J Saravanan from Srirampura led to an FIR against @MumbaichaDon for his tweet regarding the Congress manifesto. The complaint alleged that the user’s post aimed to stoke communal tensions by fostering animosity between Hindus and Muslims.
@MumbaichaDon was apprehended in the South Goan city of Ponda and faces charges under the IT Act and section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to promoting disharmony between different religious or racial groups. Prior to his arrest, he shared a screenshot of a legal notice from X’s legal team informing him of a court order from the Bengaluru City Magistrate regarding his account. He denied making any inflammatory or communal remarks, instead accusing the Congress of attempting to silence him for speaking the truth.
So it seems CONgress wants to intimidate me for speaking Truth. I’m ready to fight against any injustice & will take full Judicial Course even if that means approaching Highest Court, as I have never written anything which may be called as inflammatory or communal.
जय महाकाल 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mmZZwz1mT5
— BhikuMhatre (Modi’s Family) (@MumbaichaDon) May 18, 2024
BJP leaders, such as Union Minister Smriti Irani and BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya, condemned the arrest, alleging that the Congress government in Karnataka was intolerant of dissent. They pledged legal support, with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya stating they would challenge the arrest both in court and through public advocacy. Maharashtra BJP leader Vinod Tawde also expressed surprise and concern over @MumbaichaDon’s detention.
Spoke to @Tejasvi_Surya re the case . Legal support has been assured. https://t.co/VgVamhnOiZ
— Smriti Z Irani (Modi Ka Parivar) (@smritiirani) May 18, 2024
Karnataka Police has arrested @MumbaichaDon from Goa. We are in touch with his family and will ensure he gets all legal support. Congress has unleashed anarchy and is intolerant of dissent. But there won’t be another #Emergency in this country, ever.
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) May 18, 2024
Strongly condemn the arrest of influencer @MumbaichaDon by the Karnataka police for expressing views against the Congress manifesto. It is a blatant attack on free speech and a dangerous precedent. They need to know that democracy thrives on diverse opinions, not suppression.
— Vinod Tawde (Modi Ka Parivar) (@TawdeVinod) May 18, 2024
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