Assam University Student Detained For Derogatory Facebook Post On Pahalgam Attack

A student of Assam University Silchar, AK Bahauddin Choudhury, was detained by Cachar Police on Thursday (April 24) for allegedly promoting communal hatred, defaming individuals, and spreading misinformation through a public Facebook post. Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta confirmed to Barak Bulletin that Choudhury was detained from his residence in Katigorah on Thursday evening.

In the controversial post made on April 23, Choudhury used the term “swine’s child” to describe individuals who had shared reports and opinions on the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He also alleged that Muslims have been killed in India for not chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, triggering widespread outrage online.

The post translated from Bangla reads, “Where did those sons of swine get the idea that the terrorists were asking names before killing people, or checking their genitals before executing them? Since yesterday, I’ve seen some radical fundamentalist young men and women—even journalists—sharing such posts. The truth is, they just need an excuse. The moment something happens, they vomit their communal, terror-loving mindset all over the internet. These are the real terrorists”.

Assam University Student Union also condemned the derogatory remarks and called for the student’s arrest yesterday during a protest. They claimed that such students tarnish the name of the university and harm the social fabric.

A formal complaint was filed at the Assam University Police Outpost by the members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad of the varsity, accusing Choudhury of criminal defamation, hate speech, and inciting communal disharmony. The complaint invoked Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, under which defamation is a punishable offence.

“This statement is factually incorrect, communally charged, and intended to create hatred and enmity between religious communities, posing a serious risk to public peace and communal harmony,” the complaint read.

Amid mounting criticism, Choudhury issued an apology on Facebook earlier today, stating:
“Yesterday, I posted a content on Facebook regarding the Pahalgam incident, where my words came across as aggressive and, in some cases, offensive. I now realize that the way I expressed my views was inappropriate and may have hurt or impacted others. For this, I sincerely apologize. I am sorry for my action. It was never my intention to offend or upset anyone. Thank you for your understanding.”

Earlier in the day, AIUDF MLA from Dhing, Aminul Islam, was also arrested for making derogatory comments allegedly linking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to the Pulwama and Pahalgam terror incidents. His arrest, along with Choudhury’s, comes amidst heightened scrutiny of hate speech and inflammatory remarks shared online.

Regarding this incident, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “I have instructed Assam Police to take the strictest possible action against anyone who is supporting Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack. Accordingly, Hon’ble MLA Aminul Islam has been arrested today on charges of sedition”, on X.

As of now, Bahauddin Choudhury stays in Cachar Police custody.