Firoz Rozindar

Bagalkot: Congratulating people on account of Republic Day of Pakistan proved costly to a Muslim woman of Mudhol taluk of the district as the police filed a case against her under various sections of the IPC.

A 25-year-old woman has been arrested for posting celebratory messages on Pakistan Republic Day on her WhatsApp status in Mudhol on Thursday.

The accused is identified as Kuthma Sheikh, a resident of Mudhol town and a student at the local Madrasa. The incident reportedly occurred on March 23, the day, Pakistan celebrates its Republic Day. 

According to police, “She has put up Whatsapp status conveying Pakistan Republic Day wishes on Wednesday. A person identified as Arun Bhajantri soon after noticing Kuthma's WhatsApp status has filed a complaint with providing evidence. Based on the complaint, the action was initiated and Kuthma Sheikh has been taken into custody.”

As per the photo shared by the department of police, “The accused WhatsApp status stated that ‘Allah Har Mulk me Ittihaad…Aman...Sukoon…Ata Farma Maula’ (may Allah grant unity, peace and harmony in every country). Along with this, she had also put up a photo conveying wishes to Pakistan on their Republic Day.”  

A complaint has been registered in Mudhol Police Station. She has been charged with the Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 153(A) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence) and 505(2) (Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes). She has been sent to judicial custody. 

Speaking to reporters, SP Lokesh Jagalasar, said that the woman was arrested on the same day. There are no protests and the town is peaceful. “ We will not spare anyone that tries to spread hatred and create unrest by putting such posts in social networking sites. We are monitoring the social media posts closely”, he said.