Man in Assam posts pro-Pakistan and anti-Hindu comments from Muslim neighbour’s Facebook account, arrested

Guwahati, 07 Jun 2018 [Fik/News Sources]: In a bizarre incident, police arrested a man on Monday in Assam’s Barpeta district on charges of posting communally insensitive and pro-Pakistan comments from the Facebook account of his neighbour. The post had sparked tensions in the area.

Jyotish Nath, a footwear shop owner had posted pro-Pakistan comments and also derogatory remarks about Assamese and Hindus from poultry shop owner Ahedul Ali’s Facebook account.

“The nature of the comments led some people to burn down Ali’s shop. Police swung into action swiftly and detained Ali,” informed Violet Baruah, superintendent of police, Barpeta.

On questioning, Ali revealed that he wasn’t technologically savvy and denied posting any offensive comments.

Investigations by police about the IP address from where the comments were posted led them to Jyotish Nath, a footwear shop owner, whose establishment was close to Ali’s poultry shop.

On questioning, Nath revealed that he had opened Ali’s Facebook account some months ago and was aware of the log-in id and password.

“Nath said he had enmity with Ali over money and other personal issues. On Sunday, he accessed the Ali’s account and posted the comments to target him,” said Baruah.

Police said Nath doesn’t have any political connections. Police have slapped sections of IT Act and IPC against Nath and are conducting further investigations.