Paonta Sahib resident arrested for seditious FB post

The Paonta Sahib police arrested a local resident, Suleman, on Sunday evening for allegedly posting objectionable anti-India content on his Facebook account, including remarks praising Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam killing.

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The arrest came after several residents of Paonta Sahib — Abhishek Verma, Madan, Amarjeet, Kapil Sharma and others — filed a complaint on May 27, alleging that Suleman had been consistently uploading posts that ridiculed the Prime Minister and hurt the religious sentiments of the majority community.

According to the police, Suleman runs a fruit and vegetable kiosk and resides in a rented house in Ward No. 1, Badripur, Paonta Sahib. He hails originally from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Confirming the arrest, Sirmaur SP Nishchint Negi stated that the accused was booked under sedition charges and taken into custody on his return to Paonta Sahib from Saharanpur. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the nature and intent of the posts.

Given Paonta Sahib’s geographical proximity to border regions like Saharanpur, the town often witnesses an influx of people from neighbouring areas, including members of the minority community seeking employment. In light of previous incidents that had stirred public unrest, the police ensured heightened vigilance and careful handling of the situation to prevent any law and order disturbances.

The matter remains under close watch as officials aim to maintain communal harmony and legal due process.