Man held for inciting ‘hatred’

No one will be allowed to pass derogatory remarks against any religion, says Umerkot SSP

KARACHI:

A Hindu man was arrested on Friday for allegedly spreading hatred through his social media posts.

An FIR was lodged on the complaint of Arif Hussain Chaudhry, a resident of Umerkot city, under Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs".

A Facebook post purportedly made by the suspect entailed derogatory remarks about haram meat eaten during Eid holidays. The post made rounds on social media with netizens condemning the post and demanding the man's arrest.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Umerkot SSP Mukhtiar Ahmed Khaskheli said that the man was arrested from Umerkot city. However, sources suggested otherwise and said the arrest was made in Hyderabad.

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"Malhi has migrated to Hyderabad but he is originally from Umerkot," said Khaskheli, adding that the suspect will be produced before the court.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference on the day, Khaskheli warned that no one would be allowed to make derogatory remarks against any religion. The district police will ensure religious harmony remains intact, he said.

This is the second such incident in recent days in a region with a predominantly Muslim population.

Earlier in Umerkot's neighbouring district, Tharparkar, a Muslim man was arrested after a video of him intimidating and abusing a Hindu boy, forcing him to condemn his religion, surfaced on the internet.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31^st, 2021.