Two Assam journos arrested for attempt to ‘malign’ minister

GUWAHATI:

Police have arrested two journalists of a local news website on Wednesday for their alleged attempt to malign Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after they shared a photo of him along with his daughter with a “salacious intent”.

“Editor-in-chief of Pratibimba Live, Taufiquddin Ahmad and news Editor, Iqbal have been arrested and would be taken in custody to investigate conspiracy behind airing such news,” additional director general of police (law and order) G.P Singh said on Wednesday.

The website had reportedly shared a photo of the minister hugging his daughter, following which it went viral on social media.

Singh further informed that “a case (number 612/2021) has been registered at Dispur police station under section 509 of IPC read with Sections 14/21 of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act” for the “salacious news article about an honourable minister of the government of Assam and attempts to malign familial bond”.

“Further, Puli Muchchary connected to Bodoland Digital and Nang Noyonmoni Gogoi connected to Spotlight Assam, both digital platforms have been detained by police and would face lawful action,” he warned.

“Action shall be taken against all persons irrespective of their place of residence who use any of the social media platforms to maliciously use such platforms for furthering this conspiracy. People are strongly advised not to give air to such attempts since posting such pictures with malicious intention attracts provisions of POCSO Act,” he said, urging people not to misuse digital/social media platforms.

Further investigation is on to identify those behind the post going viral on social networking sites.

Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie

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