Two Mumbai teens arrested for posting Pakistan Independence Day image on Instagram

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police have apprehended two college students from Colaba for sharing an image of Pakistan's Independence Day celebration as their Instagram status.

The arrests were made in response to concerns of potential communal tension and were of a precautionary nature, leading to the release of the individuals after a warning. According to police officials, a complaint was filed by a Colaba businessman who expressed worries about a group of boys from the area using Pakistan's Independence Day imagery on their Instagram statuses. The complainant believed that such actions could provoke communal tensions.

Responding to the complaint, the Colaba police's anti-terrorism squad (ATS) swiftly located the teenagers late on Monday night. The individuals were brought to the police station and placed under prohibitory arrest under CrPC 151 (3), reported ANI.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the boys had indeed featured Pakistan's Independence Day content on their Instagram stories. The police confiscated their mobile phones after capturing screenshots of the posts.

A senior police official commented, "From their conduct, manner of speaking, and behaviour, it seems that they were doing this with the intention of disturbing the law and order in the country on August 15."

Pakistan observes August 14 as its day of independence. The act of sharing Pakistan Independence Day content, given the historical context between India and Pakistan, raised concerns about the potential impact on social harmony.