- Guwahati police filed an FIR against journalist Abhisar Sharma.
- The FIR alleges the journalist mocked the Assam and Union governments.
- The complaint was filed under Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the BNS.
- The complainant claims the video promoted communal sentiments.
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 22nd Aug: A senior police officer reported that the Guwahati Crime Branch registered a First Information Report (FIR) against journalist and YouTuber Abhisar Sharma on Thursday, based on a complaint from a local resident. The complaint alleges that Sharma uploaded a video that ridiculed both the Assam and Central governments.
The FIR was filed using Sections 152 (sedition), 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). According to the complaint, Sharma uploaded a YouTube video accusing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of engaging in communal politics. The complainant also stated that Sharma mocked the principle of ‘Ram Rajya’ and claimed the government “survives only on Hindu-Muslim polarization”.
The complainant, Alok Barua, a 23-year-old resident of Nayanpur, Ganeshguri, said that the comments were made with the malicious intent to discredit the elected governments and had the effect of provoking communal sentiments. He alleged that such remarks are capable of inflaming passions, creating distrust against lawfully established authorities, and promoting enmity between religious groups. The FIR further notes that the video is being discussed in the complainant’s locality, and people are talking about a religion-based divide after watching it, which could disturb public peace and harmony.
The complainant alleged that the offenses committed by Sharma are punishable under the BNS, which replaced the repealed sedition law. Section 152 of the BNS criminalizes acts that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. Section 196 deals with the offense of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste, or community. Section 197 addresses allegations and claims that are harmful to national integration.
