Kolkata: A 23-year-old college student was arrested for allegedly posting objectionable content on social media, targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and revealing the identity of a rape and murder victim. The arrest took place in Kolkata’s Lake Town area on Sunday.
The student, Kirti Sharma, is accused of sharing three Instagram stories about the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Her posts reportedly included a photograph and the identity of the victim, which is a violation of legal provisions.
In addition to disclosing the victim’s identity, Sharma is also alleged to have posted two stories containing offensive comments and threats directed at Mamata Banerjee. The police have deemed these posts provocative, with the potential to incite social unrest and promote communal hatred.
Following a complaint filed at a Kolkata police station, an FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Bharat Nyay Sanhita. The police subsequently arrested Sharma on Sunday afternoon. She is scheduled to appear before a sessions court today.
This arrest occurs amid widespread outrage and protests by the medical community over the brutal rape and murder of the doctor. The Kolkata Police have also issued summonses to 57 other individuals accused of spreading misinformation about the case, which, according to Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, has hindered the investigation and posed a threat to public order.
