Social media activist Vinit Naik, known by the moniker Bhiku Mhatre (@MumbaichaDon), has been granted interim bail after his controversial arrest by the Karnataka police. Naik’s detention sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of attempting to suppress free speech.
The Karnataka government has faced criticism for detaining Bhiku Mhatre for allegedly commenting on the Congress manifesto. His arrest took place in Goa based on complaint lodged by J Saravanan from Srirampura led to an FIR against Bhiku Mhatrefor his tweet in the social media. The complaint alleged that the user’s post aimed to stoke communal tensions by fostering animosity between Hindus and Muslims.
Based on the complaint Bhiku Mhatre was apprehended in the South Goan city of Ponda and charged 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.
In this regard, the Honourable 45th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Court of Bengaluru City has granted interim bail to Bhiku Mhatre in relation to Crime Number 017/2024, registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Bengaluru City on 21 May 2024.
The Honorable 45th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Court of Bengaluru City has granted Interim bail to Shri Vinit Naik, also known as Bhiku Mhatre and @Mumbaichadon, in connection with Crime Number 017/2024 registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Bengaluru…
— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) May 21, 2024
It is to be noted, Bhiku Mhatre was arrested on 19 May 2024, just a day before the Lok Sabha elections. This arrest has been criticized as a vindictive move by the Congress Party, suggesting a pattern of suppressing dissent. Historical parallels have been drawn, notably to 1975 when then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed an emergency, silencing media and dissenting voices, highlighting a recurrent theme in the party’s approach to handling opposition.
BJP Leaders and Supporters Celebrate Court’s Decision to Grant Interim Bail
Update regarding @MumbaichaDon Bhai
Finally Interim Bail has been granted 🎉🎉🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/wsJmJTc2NP
— Hathyogi (हठयोगी) (@hathyogi31) May 21, 2024
Trial Court allows interim bail in @MumbaichaDon case.
Slap on face of fascist Congress Karnataka Govt.
I am confident HC will quash this politically motivated case in the next hearing.
Thanks to all, especially senior leaders of BJP, who took personal care in this matter.
— Tejasvi Surya (ಮೋದಿಯ ಪರಿವಾರ) (@Tejasvi_Surya) May 21, 2024
Truth prevails! Delighted to hear that @MumbaichaDon has been granted interim bail after being wrongfully arrested by Karnataka Police.
Let's continue to stand together for truth and freedom of expression. Shame on the Congress Karnataka government for trying to kill democracy.
— Vinod Tawde (Modi Ka Parivar) (@TawdeVinod) May 21, 2024
GOOD NEWS: Bhiku Mhatre aka @MumbaichaDon got interior bail from the trial court.
This one is a tight slap on Karnataka Congress Dictator govt.
Thanks to @smritiirani di, @Tejasvi_Surya bhaiya and @amitmalviya ji for your efforts. This will help us to get more motivated. pic.twitter.com/JhdAGwJs9w
— Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) May 21, 2024
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