Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad): A man has been arrested on charges of posting a message on social media suggesting to celebrate the coronation anniversary of Aurangzeb.
A resident Chandrakant Navpute, who is also Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) division chief lodged a complaint at Cidco police station in this regard. The accused, Ataur Rahman Patel, wrote on his social media account: "13 June 1659 is the 364th anniversary of Aurangzeb Alamgir's coronation. It should be celebrated with grandeur."
Navpute said that such posts trigger tension and has hurt his sentiments. "Why should Aurangzeb's coronation be celebrated? He was cruel and do not deserve such respect," he told the police. Based on the complaint, police booked Ataur under sections 295A and 153A of the IPC.
The incident has come a day after a 14-year-old boy was arrested for posting a similar message praising Aurangzeb. Prior to which, posters glorifying 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan had triggered violence and clashes between people in Kolhapur a few days back. Similarly, tension prevailed in many parts of Ahmednagar, Dhule and Beed over social media posts eulogizing Aurangzeb.
Also Read: Internet services partially resume in Maharashtra's Kolhapur
Police detained some college-goers for keeping alleged offensive social media account status and image of Tipu Sultan. Also a case was registered against a few others, including an MNS leader, for burning effigy of Aurangzeb after the Kolhapur violence.
To maintain peace and social harmony, police have appealed citizens to be cautious while posting on social media. If any post creates social discord and tension then necessary action will be taken against the concerned person, police said.
