On May 9, Pune City Police arrested Khadija Shaikh, a second-year Information Technology student at a private engineering college, after she allegedly posted an Instagram story containing the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” and content critical of Hindutva ideology. The post, which included screenshots of tweets from Pakistani accounts, quickly went viral and drew the attention of local authorities and right-wing groups.
Following complaints from members of the Sakal Hindu Samaj, Kondhwa Police registered a case against Shaikh under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
Section 152: Acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India
Section 196: Promoting enmity between different groups
Section 197: Imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration
Section 299: Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
Section 353: Statements that cause public mischief
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5), Rajkumar Shinde, confirmed the arrest and stated that further investigation is underway. The student’s Instagram account has reportedly been deleted following the incident
The Sakal Hindu Samaj staged a protest outside the Kondhwa police station, demanding strict action and tighter monitoring of social media platforms. Protesters argued that such online comments undermine national interests and could incite disharmony or unrest, especially during a period of heightened military tension between India and Pakistan.
The student’s college has rusticated her with immediate effect, emphasizing that while freedom of expression is recognized, students are expected to exercise such rights responsibly and not jeopardize public order or national unity.
Pune Police have appealed to citizens to act responsibly on social media and refrain from sharing content that could incite public disorder or be construed as anti-national. Authorities have also urged the public to maintain peace and not escalate tensions further.
The arrest comes at a time of increased security in Pune, with heightened vigilance at key locations following recent cross-border hostilities. The city is currently on an orange alert, with authorities taking preventive measures to ensure public safety.
