NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday arrested three men for circulating a fake video reportedly from Pakistan, claiming killings of Muslims. The police said that three accused confessed their motive to "incite communal tensions" during Kanwar Yatra.
Police also suspect the possible involvement of Pakistan-based ISI handlers behind the act.
The arrested men have been identified as Nadeem, Mansher, and Rahees. They were caught by the Muzaffarnagar police after the video was shared in several WhatsApp groups, especially on the second Monday of Sawan, when thousands of Kanwar Yatris pass through the region.
DIG Saharanpur Abhishek Singh said that during routine social media monitoring, they found a video being circulated that showed murdered children. An audio clip added to it falsely claimed that Bajrang Dal workers had killed Muslims in Mansoorpur and nearby areas.
"During questioning, the accused admitted they wanted to spark communal riots. Their plan could have led to mob lynching or even a lone-wolf attack in the name of religion," said the DIG. He added that the video was from Pakistan and the police are also looking into a possible link to ISI handlers across the border.
The video had already reached four large WhatsApp groups, each with hundreds of members. Police believe it may have been shared further through different modules.
Raids are being carried out in other states to identify and arrest anyone else involved in this network.
A case has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the IT Act. Police have also seized three mobile phones used in the crime.
Officials have urged the public not to share unverified videos or messages, especially during religious festivals, to avoid creating unnecessary panic or tension.
Police also suspect the possible involvement of Pakistan-based ISI handlers behind the act.
The arrested men have been identified as Nadeem, Mansher, and Rahees. They were caught by the Muzaffarnagar police after the video was shared in several WhatsApp groups, especially on the second Monday of Sawan, when thousands of Kanwar Yatris pass through the region.
DIG Saharanpur Abhishek Singh said that during routine social media monitoring, they found a video being circulated that showed murdered children. An audio clip added to it falsely claimed that Bajrang Dal workers had killed Muslims in Mansoorpur and nearby areas.
"During questioning, the accused admitted they wanted to spark communal riots. Their plan could have led to mob lynching or even a lone-wolf attack in the name of religion," said the DIG. He added that the video was from Pakistan and the police are also looking into a possible link to ISI handlers across the border.
The video had already reached four large WhatsApp groups, each with hundreds of members. Police believe it may have been shared further through different modules.
Raids are being carried out in other states to identify and arrest anyone else involved in this network.
A case has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the IT Act. Police have also seized three mobile phones used in the crime.
Officials have urged the public not to share unverified videos or messages, especially during religious festivals, to avoid creating unnecessary panic or tension.
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