Cong slams govt over social-media 'crackdown', says undermining free speech threat to democracy
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New Delhi (PTI): The Congress slammed the BJP-led Centre on Thursday for its "crackdown" on social media, including X, YouTube and Instagram, by allegedly ordering the closure of several accounts and said undermining free speech is a threat to democracy.
Addressing a press conference here, Congress spokesperson and the head of the the party's social media and digital platforms wing, Supriya Shrinate, claimed that multiple accounts across various social media platforms have either been blocked or restricted under official directives.
She alleged that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to suppress dissent and evade accountability by curbing digital expression.
Shrinate stated that several X, YouTube and Instagram accounts that questioned government policies or highlighted public issues were either blocked, suspended or had content removed without adequate explanation.
She further claimed that even independent content creators and media platforms, including YouTube channels and magazine-related posts, have faced action, while citing the instance of police detaining a YouTuber who reported on LPG cylinder shortages in Noida.
Calling it a "serious attack on freedom of expression", the Congress spokesperson said she has personally received multiple notices from social-media platforms regarding content restrictions.
She accused the government of attempting to extend control over digital platforms after influencing mainstream media, terming it a "new trend" in the country of first removing content and then blocking accounts.
Targeting Modi, Shrinate said the government is "intolerant of criticism" and accused it of weakening democratic institutions by restricting opposition voices and public questioning.
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11 female passengers held for creating nuisance, disturbing commuters in Bengaluru metro
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Bengaluru (PTI): A group of eleven female passengers was booked for allegedly creating nuisance and disturbing other commuters inside the metro train by singing aloud, police said on Friday.
The incident occurred on the night of March 15 when they were travelling from Bengaluru International Exhibition Centres to KGWA (Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Metro Station) metro line, they said.
The group allegedly started singing loudly inside the coach, leading to objections from other commuters.
Later, at Peenya Industrial Area station, some passengers alighted and continued arguing on the platform, briefly preventing the train doors from closing, a senior police officer said.
Following the incident, security personnel intervened and brought the situation under control, he said.
The same group allegedly created nuisance at several stations. Metro security staff and home guards identified and detained those involved at different points, with support from Hoysala patrol teams, police said.
Based on a complaint by BMRCL Security Officer, a non-cognisable report was filed against these 11 female passengers, the officer said.
A non-cognisable report is filed when the offence is considered minor in nature.
However, they were let off after they apologised for their actions, police said.
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