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Andhra Pradesh sees rise in vigilance against 'objectionable' posts online

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh has seen a spurt in cases against people who post objectionable material on social media sites. Even those posting political posts against some leaders are also booked.

As many 35 people, including a few government employees, have been booked for writing ‘objectionable’ material against the state government during the lockdown period.

Cases were also registered against 49 people after a complaint was lodged by the high court register for allegedly posting negative comments against judges and some judgements.

On June 23, AP crime investigation department sleuths arrested two political activists, C Krishna Rao from Nandigama and Nalanda Kishore Babu from Vizag, for posting and sharing “unverified and malicious news” against the state government on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

A dedicated cybercrime wing within the CID has been taking action based on complaints from politicians, besides taking suo moto cognisance in some cases. The crackdown began with the controversial arrest of anaesthetist Dr Sudhakar at Narsipatnam on May 17. Sudhakar first posted a video claiming that there was a shortage of N95 masks in the hospital which resulted in his suspension. He then allegedly created a ruckus on the highway and was arrested by the police. Eventually, the AP high court ordered a CBI probe regarding the entire incident.

Then on May 19, CID arrested a 66-year-old woman, identified as P Ranganayakamma, for raising 20 ‘objectionable’ questions against the government on the Vizag gas leak incident. After much condemnation, the CID went on to defend the action taken against her and issued a press release stating that she was spreading ‘misinformation’.

“If this is her first offence, she is liable for imprisonment up to three years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. If she repeats the offence, she would be sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, besides a fine of Rs 10 lakh,” the CID mentioned in its statement. Another man, Malladi Raghunath, too was booked as accused No 2 for sharing her views on Facebook.

Civil liberties activists have criticised the crackdown on free speech. Speaking to TOI, K Ramakrishna, a civil liberties lawyer based in Guntur, said previously cops used to book cases under Section 66-A of the IT Act. “Now, they are relying on Section 505 (b) of IPC which means disturbing public tranquillity, creating disturbance, and increasing hatred against the state, public order distraction, and Section 120 (b) for criminal conspiracy,” he said.

“Some sections are included based on the severity of the social media posts. However, if a person merely hints and uses no photos to criticise someone, then it is very difficult to prove anything. Officials should listen to all the voices including the ones that are dissenting in nature,” Ramakrishna added.

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