A 30-year-old youth was arrested on Friday in Assam’s Boko town for allegedly sharing a video containing communal remarks during the Eid celebrations. The arrest was made following public outrage and swift action by the Assam Police after the video went viral on social media.
The accused has been identified as a local resident of the area. In the video, he is seen making threats of violence targeting members of the Hindu community. His remarks have been widely condemned by people from various communities, civil society groups, and political leaders.
Swift police response after viral video: Eid
Boko police took prompt action after receiving multiple complaints and social media alerts regarding the content of the video. The video allegedly called for attacks against a particular religious group and was circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp.
Local residents reported the video to authorities, demanding strict legal action. An FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for inciting communal hatred and promoting enmity between groups.
Security heightened in Boko After Eid
Following the incident, police have tightened security in and around Boko to prevent any untoward incidents. “We have arrested the accused and started a full investigation into the matter. We will not tolerate attempts to disturb communal harmony,” Boko Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) told reporters.
Police officials added that mobile internet surveillance is being closely monitored to track the spread of misinformation. They urged the public not to share the video further and to report any such content to the nearest police station.
Civil society calls for peace
Several local organizations, including youth and student groups, have issued appeals for peace and unity. They condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with both communities.
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) issued a statement demanding strict punishment for those spreading hate and disturbing communal peace. The group also urged the government to ensure that social media is not misused to incite violence.
Political reactions and government stand
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while responding to media queries, said that any person who attempts to disrupt communal harmony will face the strictest possible legal consequences. “Our government is committed to peace and unity. We are closely watching such activities, and no one will be spared,” he said.
Opposition leaders also weighed in, urging the administration to handle the matter delicately while ensuring justice. Some parties demanded a broader campaign to curb online hate speech and strengthen digital monitoring mechanisms.
Investigation underway
According to police sources, the accused is being questioned for the source of the video and whether he acted alone or was part of a larger group. Cyber forensic experts have been roped in to analyze the video’s metadata and origin.
Officials believe the video might have been recorded earlier but was uploaded recently to provoke tension. The motive behind the act is still under investigation.
Public urged to stay calm
Boko’s local administration has appealed to all communities to maintain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Awareness programs are also being planned to educate people about the dangers of spreading misinformation and communal content.
Residents have been asked to report any suspicious activity to authorities without delay. Public meetings and community dialogues are expected to be held in the coming days to strengthen trust.
Stay informed, stay united. If you come across hateful content online, report it immediately to law enforcement or use your platform to promote peace.
Indian Penal Code – Relevant Sections for Hate Speech (Government of India)