The Uttar Pradesh Police have sought account and technical details from social media platform X regarding a post shared by journalist Sachin Gupta about a proposed visit to Darul Uloom Deoband by members of the Hindu Raksha Dal.
In a notice sent to X, an investigating officer identified as Surendra Kumar from the Cyber Crime Cell of the Crime Branch in Saharanpur said the account had shared a video containing an allegedly inflammatory speech.
The police said the video showed a speaker allegedly calling on people to carry Kanwar water from Haridwar to Darul Uloom Deoband.
According to the notice, police believe the post could create communal tension in the area.
“The contents of the said video, viewed in the prevailing local context, appear to have the potential to provoke communal disharmony, incite public sentiment and adversely affect peace and public order in District Saharanpur,” the notice said.
Police Ask X for IP and Contact Details
The police have asked X to provide information connected to the account @Sachingupta, including its creation IP address and login and logout IP addresses.
The notice seeks login and logout information, along with timestamps, for the period from August 1 to August 9, 2026.
Police have also sought the account holder’s contact details, including a mobile number and IMEI information. They further requested X to remove the post, saying it could affect law and order in the district.
The notice was issued in connection with an investigation being conducted by the Cyber Crime Cell, Crime Branch, Saharanpur.
Journalist Questions Police Action
Responding to the notice, Sachin Gupta said the police action appeared to be focused on his social media post rather than the statement that triggered the controversy.
Gupta said a team led by Hindu Raksha Dal chief Pinky Chaudhary had announced plans to perform Jalabhishek at Darul Uloom Deoband by carrying Ganga water from Haridwar.
“Pinky Chaudhary’s team has announced that they will perform Jalabhishek on Darul Uloom Deoband. More than that, Saharanpur and UP Police are tense because of my X post,” Gupta said.
He claimed that police had asked X to remove his post and sought his IP address and mobile number.
“The police have sent a notice to X stating that this post of mine could spoil the atmosphere. They have asked X to delete this post. They have also demanded my IP address and mobile number,” he said.
Gupta further questioned whether similar action would be taken against those who announced the proposed visit to the Islamic seminary.
“Meanwhile, legal action against Pinky Chaudhary for this statement is unlikely to happen,” he said.
Deoband Visit Announcement
The controversy comes after Hindu Raksha Dal announced that its members would visit Darul Uloom Deoband on August 11 with Ganga water.
The group has claimed that a Shivling exists beneath the premises of the Islamic seminary, a claim that has not been established by any court in the material provided.
This is what the absolute abuse of state power looks like. Instead of acting against the hatemonger, UP police is probing the journalist @Sachingupta. Seeking Login/logout details and contact number from X (formerly Twitter). @elonmusk https://t.co/Vj8DwSh6Xi
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) August 10, 2026
Deoband authorities and police have indicated that no attempt to disturb public order will be allowed.
The police notice to X comes amid heightened sensitivity in Saharanpur over the proposed visit and the competing religious claims surrounding Darul Uloom Deoband.
