Assam court grants bail to man arrested over social media post, asks him to chant ‘Jai Hind’ daily
Dhubri: An Assam court has granted bail to Arif Rahman, a resident of Gauripur in Dhubri district, who was arrested in May for allegedly posting "anti-national" content on social media. The bail order includes a directive that Rahman chant “Jai Hind” three times every morning for 21 days and upload a video of the act on his social media accounts daily.
The order was issued by Additional Sessions Judge S.B. Rahman, who stated that the accused must appear before the Investigating Officer and comply with the directive or risk cancellation of bail.
Rahman had been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (113(3), 152, 196, 197(1), 352, and 353) for allegedly operating a fake Facebook account under the name ‘Abubin Miraz Uddin Sk’. According to the complaint, he had shared a post praising Pakistan for allegedly downing Indian jets, using the tag line: “Allahu Akbar Pakistan Zindabad Ebhabei Bharater Paasta Biman Mere Deese.”
He was arrested on 9 May and remained in judicial custody for nearly a month. The charge sheet in the case was filed on 29 May.
In its order, the court noted that while the content of the post was “not in good taste,” the police had only seized Rahman’s mobile phone and found no other material linking him to any terrorist organisation. The Additional Public Prosecutor had opposed the bail citing concerns over national integrity and public sentiment.
Rahman's bail conditions also include regular appearances in court, submission of valid ID proof, and a direction not to influence witnesses. The chanting and video-upload condition will remain in effect for 21 days, and non-compliance could lead to cancellation of bail.
The arrest was part of the Assam government’s “Operation Sindoor,” launched after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. According to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, 97 individuals, mostly Muslims, have been arrested so far for their alleged social media activity.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
