Former journalist and social activist Huda Zariwala has been arrested in Saharanpur after police registered a case over her alleged objectionable remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Saharanpur District Magistrate in connection with the demolition of a mosque at the district Collectorate.
Sadar Bazar police registered the case on a complaint filed by advocate Dushyant Singh and subsequently booked Zariwala under preventive provisions for breach of peace. Police said the alleged remarks appeared in a video that circulated on social media.
Video surfaced after argument with police
According to police and local reports, Zariwala had reached the Saharanpur Circuit House on Monday and was involved in an argument with police personnel over accompanying a Samajwadi Party delegation.
Women police officers reportedly tried to move her away from the spot, after which a confrontation took place. A video of Zariwala subsequently surfaced on social media in which she allegedly made objectionable comments about Yogi Adityanath and the district magistrate while speaking about the demolition of the Collectorate mosque.
Advocate Dushyant Singh later submitted a complaint alleging that her remarks could disturb public order and communal harmony.
Police detained Zariwala after the video came to their attention and later arrested her. She was produced under preventive provisions related to breach of peace and sent to jail.
Saharanpur SSP Abhinandan Singh said police registered a case based on Dushyant Singh’s complaint and were examining the viral video and alleged comments.
“The social media video and the alleged remarks are being investigated,” Singh said. He added that further legal action would be taken on the basis of the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Police increase social media monitoring
The arrest comes amid heightened police activity in Saharanpur following the demolition of the mosque located inside the Collectorate complex.
Police have increased monitoring of social media platforms for posts, videos and messages that they believe could spread rumours or provoke tensions.
SP City Vyom Bindal said police teams were monitoring online activity and identifying people suspected of attempting to disturb public order.
Police have also detained several people in connection with allegedly provocative posters and social media posts related to the mosque demolition.
