Two persons were arrested on Monday in Meerut for allegedly sharing a derogatory WhatsApp message about Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Sangeet Som, reported the Hindustan Times. The message accused the Meerut MLA of being absent from his constituency since August 15 and not knowing about an incident in which six people set a teenaged girl on fire on August 17.
A case was filed against Aijaz Khatri and Mohd Anas on a complaint by BJP’s Sardhana city president Vinod Jain, said Dilip Singh, head of Sardhana police station. “They forwarded an objectionable post in a WhatsApp group of traders, which also has a few BJP leaders as members,” he said.
The two men were arrested for sharing the post and charged under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, said Singh. Anas is a compounder at a clinic, and Khatri is unemployed.
“Som is missing since August 15. Please come back. No one will say anything to you in connection with the Sardhana incident,” read the WhatsApp message. “You do not worry about the issue because the victim was not your daughter. Your only concern is to get votes. No one will measure your chest.”
The message also declared a reward of Rs 101 for anyone with information on Som’s whereabouts.
News18 quoted Som as saying that political opponents were using such posts to malign him. “All the BJP leaders, including me, know about the case of the 14-year-old and girl and are concerned about her health as well,” he said.
The six men were accused of setting on fire the minor on fire for rejecting their sexual advances have been arrested. The condition of the girl, who is being treated at a Delhi hospital, is reported to be critical.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!