New Delhi: Last month, Saharanpur district in western Uttar Pradesh was witnessing repeated episodes of violence as caste-based riots broke out between Dalits and Thakurs. However, there was a parallel conflict brewing — on social media. Inflammatory messages on social media platforms, according to police, played a key role in fanning the riots in the restive district. It was due to this that newly appointed Saharanpur SSP Babloo Kumar launched an investigation into social media accounts and handles that were linked to violence.
According to Kumar, “over 90%” of the troublemaker social media accounts belonged to Bhim Army, a radical Dalit outfit led by 30-year-old lawyer Chandrashekhar Azad. “There are very few accounts which posted original content. Most of them either shared or commented on objectionable posts. That is why we will not be indiscriminate in arresting anyone. We have identified 20-30 accounts, including pages, which were posting inflammatory content.”
Bhim Army leaders, despite numerous attempts, were unavailable for comment. Meanwhile, Chandrashekhar, who is wanted by the police, is currently absconding.
The SSP added, “When I visited the village, I found that common people form both sides held no hatred. They just wanted the violence to come to an end. It is clear that these messages are being spread by some organizations that are trying to use these clashes to expand.”
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