Pune Engineering Student Arrested for Supporting Pakistan on Social Media

Pune, Friday — Pune police have detained a 19-year-old woman who is a second-year engineering student for reportedly sharing a post on social media that praised Pakistan. The detention was in response to a complaint filed by a Hindu right-wing group stating that the student, Khatija Shaikh, posted the phrase “Pakistan Zindabad” among other material on her Instagram handle.

A case has been registered against Shaikh at Kondhwa Police Station under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 152 (acts prejudicial to sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), 196 (inciting hatred between different groups), 197 (imputations likely to cause fear or alarm among the public), 299 (outraging religious feelings), 352 (intentional insult to cause breach of peace), and 353 (spreading false information or rumour with the intent to incite hatred).

The FIR states the initial message was posted by Instagram user Dr MAARIB@reformistan and was posted as a status. The social media status included pro-Pakistani slogans, which the authorities claim had the potential to upset public order.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Rajkumar Shinde confirmed the arrest, stating, “She has been arrested and taken into custody, and further investigation is under way.“Additional Commissioner of Police (Eastern Region) Manoj Patil said the online activity of the student, posting screenshots in support of Pakistan, put public peace at risk.”

In response to the incident, the college that Shaikh attends has rusticated her forthwith The college’s head stressed that the institution is a firm believer in freedom of expression but that students will be required to exercise the freedom responsibly and within the limits of the law.

The case is serving to bring into focus concerns over social media use and national security, with officials stressing responsible conduct on the internet in the wake of increased political passions.