Shimla, June 6
Shimla Police on Friday arrested social activist Yudh Chand Bains in connection with a case related to alleged dissemination of objectionable content on social media that could incite enmity between different communities and disturb communal harmony.
According to a statement issued by District Shimla Police, a complaint was lodged at Baluganj Police Station alleging that Bains had uploaded a video on his Facebook account containing remarks targeting a particular community, offensive language and content capable of promoting hostility among different religious groups. The complainant alleged that the video was being widely viewed and had the potential to adversely affect law and order and communal harmony.
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Police said a preliminary inquiry found that Bains regularly uploads videos on social media. Analysis of the disputed video and related material reportedly indicated that the content could create tension between different communities and adversely impact communal peace.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under Sections 196, 299 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation was initiated. Police further alleged that Bains failed to cooperate with investigators despite being asked to join the probe. Officials claimed that he videotaped police personnel and obstructed the investigation process, following which Section 221 of the BNS was also added to the case.
Bains, (54), a resident of Nalsar village in Mandi district, was arrested on June 6 after police completed the initial stages of investigation.
The arrest comes amid mounting legal troubles for the activist. This is the third FIR registered against him in recent weeks. Earlier, the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had registered a case against him, while former Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta also lodged an FIR accusing Bains of making defamatory allegations through social media posts.
Sources said another FIR was registered on Friday after Bains allegedly attempted to upload similar content on his Meta account despite ongoing investigations.
Police stated that Bains also has a previous criminal case registered at Una Police Station under charges including cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy, besides offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The arrest is likely to further intensify the debate surrounding freedom of expression, social media accountability and the state’s action against individuals accused of spreading inflammatory content online.
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