Police book medical student over blasphemous social media post

Srinagar, June 6: Police has registered an FIR into an incident involving a sensitive social media post allegedly made by a student of Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, which has sparked protests.

Following communication from the GMC administration, an FIR has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Karan Nagar Police Station.

The case, filed under FIR No. 13/24, includes charges under Sections 153, 153A, 295A, and 505(2) IPC, which pertain to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, and statements conducing to public mischief.

The incident, which occurred on June 6, 2024, led to the suspension of classes at GMC and other educational institutions across Srinagar as a precautionary measure. Protests erupted on the GMC campus after the post, which was seen as blasphemous by many, came to light. The student in question has been suspended pending an inquiry.

“Police took cognizance of the incident of posting of sensitive content against religious sentiments of a particular community by a student of GMC Sgr.Upon receipt of communication from GMC Sgr administration, case FIR No.13/24 u/s 153,153A,295A,505(2) IPC regd in PS Karanagar,” Srinagar Police wrote on X.

“On 6th June 2024.Common public is appealed to desist from spreading rumours/false information. They shouldn’t fall prey to false propaganda of anti-social elements. Legal action shall be taken against those who are found to be involved in provocative act/instigation,” Srinagar Police said in another post on X.

In light of the tensions, police have issued a public appeal urging citizens to refrain from spreading rumors or false information. They emphasized the importance of not falling prey to the false propaganda of anti-social elements. The police warned that legal action will be taken against those found involved in provocative acts or instigation.

“We appeal to the common public to desist from spreading rumors or false information. Legal action shall be taken against those who are found to be involved in provocative acts or instigation,” Police said.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, VK Birdi, emphasised the sensitivity of the police force towards all religious matters and their commitment to respecting individuals from all faiths. "Jammu and Kashmir police is sensitive about all religious matters and respects people from all faiths. The issues related to law and order are sensitive and we make sure that no person is involved in hurting the sentiments of any community," V K Birdi told a selected group of reporters here.

IGP Kashmir assured the public that an investigation is ongoing. "After the controversy erupted in Government Medical College (GMC), the J&K police immediately registered a case against the involved person and the investigation is on," he added.

VK Birdi issued a public appeal urging citizens not to fall prey to false rumours. He warned that anyone found spreading fake information that could incite a law and order situation would face strict action. "I want to request people not to fall prey to false rumours, and if anybody is found spreading fake rumours that can trigger a law and order situation, he will face strict action," IGP Kashmir cautioned.