Anti-govt posts a ‘cyber crime’ in Bihar
State govt issues circular, comes under attack from Opp. ■
The Bihar government has decided to keep a close watch on social media and penalise all those who post offensive and derogatory comments against ministers, MLAs, MPs and officials.
The state’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU), which is also responsible for cybercrime, has informed all state government departments about the decision and asked them to report any individuals or organisations who have been making such posts on social media.
“It has come to light that some individuals and organisations have been making derogatory and offensive posts on social media against the government, ministers, MLAs, MPs and officials. This is against the law and comes under cybercrime laws,” inspector general of police, EOU, Nayyar Husnain Khan, wrote in a letter to principal secretaries and secretaries of state government departments.
“You are requested to report to the Economic Offences Unit regarding any such post so that matter is investigated and action could be taken against such individuals and organizations,” Mr. Khan added in his letter.
The development has triggered sharp reactions from Opposition parties in Bihar. On Friday, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the move and asked the state government to arrest him under the same order.
“It seems that the chief minister has started following Hitler. Protesters cannot protest in Bihar. People will land up in jail for writing against the government. The common man cannot meet Opposition leaders. We know Mr Nitish Kumar that you are tired but at least have some shame,” Mr Yadav tweeted.
He further said, “Perpetrator of 60 scams in Bihar, the Bhishma Pitamaha of corruption, Nitish Kumar is a weak chief minister of an unconstitutional government. Bihar police sell
It seems that the chief minister has started following Hitler. Protesters cannot protest in Bihar. People will land up in jail for writing against the govt.
— Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader