Maharashtra Cyber has identified more than 140 social media posts and videos deemed to be carrying objectionable content, allegedly aimed at inciting communal unrest, officials said on Wednesday.
These posts and videos were found on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. The authorities have issued notices under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, to facilitate the immediate removal of such material.
Additionally, notices under Section 94 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been served to uncover the identities of those operating the accounts in question.
The Maharashtra Cyber, in coordination with the Nagpur City Cyber police, has tracked several accounts disseminating content related to the riots that occurred on Monday.
According to an official release, the content was deliberately created to hurt religious sentiments, incite communal discord, and escalate the law-and-order situation.
Such material, exploiting deeply held beliefs, is intended to provoke the public, create social divisions, and fuel unrest, the statement added.
Authorities noted that these actions not only violate legal provisions but also pose a severe threat to peace and stability.
Observing that the riots have caused significant damage to public property, the Maharashtra Cyber department has vowed strict legal action against those responsible for spreading inflammatory content.
Also read: Nagpur violence: Mastermind Fahim Khan held
"The Maharashtra Cyber department will identify and prosecute individuals who misuse digital platforms to disrupt communal harmony," the statement said.
Authorities have urged people to exercise caution while sharing information online and to refrain from engaging with or amplifying unverified or provocative content.
Meanwhile, police have arrested 69 individuals, including Minority Democratic Party leader Fahim Khan and eight members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), in connection with the Nagpur violence.
Maharashtra Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, stated on Wednesday that attacks on police personnel would be dealt with sternly.
"Strictest action would be taken against the perpetrators of violence, and the fear of the law would be instilled," he said.
The violence, which erupted on Monday night, left 33 police personnel injured, including three officers of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank. Mobs vandalised vehicles, hurled petrol bombs and stones at police, and attacked houses, police said.
The unrest was reportedly triggered by rumours that a 'chadar' with religious inscriptions had been burnt during protests led by the VHP, which was demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
According to an FIR, some rioters allegedly misbehaved with a woman constable and attempted to disrobe her during the chaos.
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