RANCHI: Even as the state administration is trying to curb the spread of communally charged messages on social media in the aftermath of the
mob attack
on
Tabrez Ansari
and his subsequent death in judicial custody in Seraikela last month, an alleged “hate-mongering” video seeking revenge surfaced on video-messaging app TikTok. While
TikTok
removed the “instigating content” on Tuesday, the video is still circulating on various YouTube channels and Facebook handles.
The video showed five men — identified as Faisal Shaikh, Hasnain Khan, Faiz Baloch, Adnan Shaikh and Sadhan Faroqui — saying, “You may have killed that innocent Tabrez Ansari, but tomorrow if his son takes revenge, do not say that all Muslims are terrorists.”
The cyber cell of the Mumbai police registered an FIR against a group of people for allegedly circulating the video. A complaint into the matter was filed by Shiv Sena leader Ramesh Solanki. “I have been informed by TikTok that the video has been removed from the platform and the three accounts were suspended after my complaint. Suspension in TikTok means that they can not log into their accounts and can’t post anything there,” Solanki said.
While Faisal Khan, one of the creators featuring in the video, has issued a public apology for the content, the clip has spread in Ranchi, which witnessed communal violence on Friday after a rally organised in protest against the mob attack on Ansari. Though no casualties were reported, the clashed shook peace and harmony in the city.
Ranchi deputy commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray said: “Provocative messages can create unrest and communal tension and we have been keeping a tab on social media. Though no one has been booked recently, we will take action against people circulating any such video or audio message.”
Ranchi Police has also ordered all the admins and members of WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms to avoid sharing posts that might disturb communal harmony. “All the admins and members of WhatsApp groups/other social media platforms are requested to not share posts that might disturb communal harmony. Action will be taken against the admins/the person concerned if such posts come to light,” the order released by the SP’s office read.
Netizens of the city also condemned the video clip. Shilpi Kumari, who works with a city-based event management company, wrote on her social media page: “It is shameful that people are advocating terrorism, no matter what the cause is. TikTok should permanently ban these users.”