Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: The Commissionerate Police has intensified its surveillance on social media platforms to curb hate speech and posts that threaten communal harmony.

In a recent development, a man named Arshad Ali from Jagatsinghpur was arrested for allegedly posting objectionable content on Instagram that could incite religious discord.

Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Dutta Singh confirmed the arrest, stating that the post was flagged on October 9, prompting a swift investigation. “Anyone posting hateful or inflammatory content against any community will face strict legal action,” he said.

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Although Arshad later issued an apology through another post, the original content had already gone viral. He now faces charges under the IT Act, along with sections related to promoting religious enmity and threatening national security.

The Commissionerate Police has reiterated that not only the original poster but also those who share or tag such content will be held accountable. “Sharing or amplifying hate speech makes one equally culpable,” the Commissioner warned.

In a related crackdown, six individuals were arrested from Cuttack on Sunday for allegedly attempting to disrupt public peace. The arrests were made by Lalbag and Manglabag police stations — four from the former and two from the latter. These individuals were reportedly involved in spreading anti-social content and inciting unrest in the city.

All six were produced in court following their arrest. The police have urged citizens to use social media responsibly and report any content that could disturb communal harmony or public order.

Authorities have also appealed to the public to refrain from engaging with or forwarding provocative posts. The Commissionerate Police has assured that it will continue to monitor digital platforms closely to ensure peace and security in the region.

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