Tensions in Rajasthan's Pokharan over ‘objectionable' Yoga Day post, 13 arrested
The Jaisalmer District Police Monday arrested 13 people after tensions erupted over an objectionable post on the photos of Pokharan MLA Mahant Pratap Puri during an International Yoga Day event.
The police said they have arrested the main accused, who has been identified as Rafiq Khan from Gomat village in Jaisalmer, for allegedly posting objectionable comments on Facebook that sparked public outrage.
On June 22, Fateh Singh Chowk from MLA Mahant Pratap Puri's office lodged a complaint with the Pokharan police station, alleging that derogatory remarks were posted on Facebook and made in WhatsApp groups regarding the MLA's pictures during the yoga day event, which have 'deeply hurt the religious sentiments of followers'.
After the arrest of Rafiq Khan on Sunday, tensions escalated late at night when advocate Firoz Khan, who is the husband of the sarpanch of Gomat village, reportedly arrived outside the police station, shared images on a WhatsApp group, and allegedly called on people to surround the police station.
The police said that around 50 to 60 people responded and gathered at the police station's main gate, demanding that Rafiq be released.
Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Sudhir Chaudhary said, 'Firoz Khan misled people and incited them to gather at the police station.'
Despite efforts to reason with the crowd, the police said that the situation took a violent turn when they began pelting stones. The police then took steps to disperse them. Chaudhary later arrived at the scene to assess the situation and directed that appropriate legal measures be taken.
'Firoz Khan has been arrested along with five of his associates for obstructing government work and creating unrest,' SP Chaudhary said.
The arrested are Firoz Khan, Umardin, Salim Khan, Mohammad Khan, Qayamdin and Ilyas Khan, he said. Seven other persons have also been arrested for breach of peace, taking the total number of arrests to 13, he added. 'The situation is now completely under control,' said Chaudhary.
The other suspects have been identified and teams are conducting searches to arrest them, police said. The police have emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards any act, which disturbs communal harmony or public peace.
Chaudhary also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing or reacting to objectionable content on social media.
A close watch is being kept on online activity, he said.
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