Under the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu, the police have been arresting social media critics of the party. Minjur Saleem, a pro-BJP activist, was detained and later arrested for criticizing the DMK’s governance on social media platform X. Despite promptly deleting his posts, Saleem was issued a Lookout Circular. He was detained upon arrival from San Francisco, USA, at Bengaluru International Airport at 7:00 Am on 14 March 2024, in the presence of his wife and three infant children. He was handed over to TN CCB Police at 9:00 pm the same day and produced before the ACMM Court after 24 hours.
He was held without explanation for over 24 hours and denied access to legal representation or copies of the FIRs against him. Police sought his remand on charges under IPC Sections 153, 153A(1)(a), and 505(1)(b), alleging a national security threat.
Despite objections citing procedural violations and lack of evidence, the court granted remand. Saleem’s lawyers noted violations of legal rights and a lack of transparency in the process.
4 cases were filed against him and here are their details based on the FIRs accessed by The Commune:
In FIR 01 of 2024, he was remanded on 15 March 2024. Despite objections, including illegal detention and delay in production, remand was allowed by the ACMM Court. Bail arguments were heard on 19 March 2024, and an Affidavit of undertaking was provided on 20 March 2024. The bail petition was posted for Orders on 21 March 2024. This case was filed by D. Daniel for a Twitter post by Minjur Saleem inciting “religious discord”. Saleem’s post questioned whether Muslims can advertise, accompanied by a video featuring Hindu faces in beef biryani and Muslim faces in pork curry shop ads. Daniel, a constable in the Social Media Section of Chennai Metropolitan Police, urges action against Saleem for disrupting religious harmony and inciting hatred. Charges under IPC Sections 153, 153A, and 505 were invoked.
In FIR 25 of 2024 and FIR 30 of 2024, he was arrested in jail on 16 March 2024, and presented for a Prisoner Transfer Warrant on 19 March 2024. Both requests were rejected on 20 March 2024. FIR 30 of 2024 was filed by P. Arul Risab for a Twitter post by Minjur Saleem inciting “religious discord”. Saleem allegedly criticized Muslim students for destroying kumkum on Hindu girls’ foreheads, aiming to fuel animosity between communities. Risab, a constable in the Social Media Section of Chennai Metropolitan Police, urges action against Saleem for his provocative posts. Charges under IPC Sections 153, 153A, and 505 were invoked. FIR 25 of 2024 was filed by D. Daniel for a Twitter post by Minjur Saleem, allegedly “inciting religious discord”. Saleem accused a Muslim government officer of insulting Hindu gods and threatening temple demolition, aiming to provoke enmity and incite violence. Daniel, a constable in the Social Media Section of Chennai Metropolitan Police, urges action against Saleem. Charges under IPC Sections 153, 153A, and 505(1)(b) are mentioned.
In FIR No. 22 of 2023, he was arrested in jail on 16 March 2024, and presented for a Prisoner Transfer Warrant on 19 March 2024. It was granted on 20 March 2024. This case was filed by A. Adil Ahmed and Hasan Ali, for “incitement to riot” on social media. Minjur Saleem posted a video on Twitter, featuring Maulana Samsuddin Qazimi criticizing the government and inciting violence against the Chief Minister. The complaint urges action against both Qazimi and Saleem for “disturbing public peace”. Charges under IPC Sections 153, 153A, and 505(1)(b) were invoked.
Yet another case based in Sivaganagai has been initiated, and it is understood that an FIR has been registered but there are no further details of the same.
Overwhelmed with distress, Saleem’s family has declared their intention to urge him to completely withdraw from all social media platforms.
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