Two individuals were arrested in Assam’s Dhubri district for allegedly posting pro-Pakistan and hate-filled content on Facebook. The arrests come amid heightened vigilance by Indian authorities against online propaganda, particularly in sensitive border areas.
The duo, identified as residents of the South Salmara-Mankachar region in Dhubri, were reportedly circulating posts that glorified Pakistan and incited communal hatred. Acting swiftly, Assam police traced the digital trail after multiple complaints and local intelligence alerts regarding the nature of the content being shared on social media platforms.
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According to official sources, the accused had uploaded a series of Facebook posts praising Pakistan and making derogatory remarks against India, its armed forces, and certain religious communities. Authorities stated that these acts violated multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to sedition, promoting enmity between groups, and misuse of digital platforms.
“Such actions will not be tolerated in Assam or anywhere in India. Posting pro-Pakistan and hate content is a serious offense. We are closely monitoring social media, and those found engaging in such activities will face strict legal action,” said Dhubri Superintendent of Police, Navin Singh.
The Dhubri Facebook arrest has triggered public debate over the role of social media in spreading radical ideologies and the responsibility of users in maintaining communal harmony. Dhubri, which shares a long and porous border with Bangladesh, has been on the radar for cross-border infiltration, smuggling, and now increasingly, digital radicalization.
Police have also recovered mobile phones and other electronic evidence from the accused, which have been sent for forensic analysis. Preliminary investigations suggest that they may have been influenced by extremist propaganda circulating through encrypted channels and social media groups.
The arrests have drawn strong reactions from civil society and political leaders across the state. While many welcomed the move as a step toward curbing hate speech in Assam, others emphasized the need for digital literacy and responsible social media usage, particularly among the youth.
“This is not just a law-and-order issue; it’s also a social issue. People must be educated about the consequences of sharing inflammatory or anti-national content. The government should take steps to create awareness in schools and colleges,” said Dr. Anupam Sarma, a political analyst based in Guwahati.
The Assam government has recently intensified its crackdown on online extremism, especially following increased tension along India’s western and eastern borders. Surveillance teams have been set up in each district to monitor flagged content, identify fake profiles, and work with central cybercrime units.
This particular Assam hate speech case has also prompted authorities to remind the public that freedom of expression does not include the right to promote terrorism, insult national symbols, or endanger social unity. “Freedom comes with responsibility. The internet is not a lawless space,” SP Navin Singh reiterated.
Underlining the gravity of the incident, legal experts suggest that the accused could face serious charges under the Information Technology Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and sections of the Indian Penal Code. If proven guilty, they could face several years of imprisonment.
The Assam police news department confirmed that further investigations are underway to determine if the accused were acting independently or were part of a larger online network targeting India’s integrity.
The arrest of two individuals in Dhubri for posting pro-Pakistan content in India and hate speech is a stark reminder of the threats posed by irresponsible use of social media. As Assam strengthens its digital surveillance and promotes national unity, such steps are crucial in preserving peace and preventing communal or anti-national narratives from taking root. Authorities have urged citizens to report suspicious content and help in building a safer online environment for all.