In a recent development, Reetam Singh, the coordinator of Assam Congress's war room, has been apprehended by authorities for the dissemination of a manipulated video involving Union Minister Amit Shah. The arrest was confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Assam police have taken into custody an individual identified as Sri Reetam Singh in connection with the dissemination of a doctored video implicating Honorable Home Minister Sri Amit Shah."
The initial report of Singh's arrest surfaced through an account named "Voice of Assam," subsequently corroborated by OpIndia following confirmation from the Commissioner of Assam Police. The legal action stems from a complaint lodged by Dipak Kr Das at the Panbazar Police Station under case number 93/24 u/s 153A/171G/505(1)(b) IPC r/w sec 66F IT Act. During the operation, law enforcement officials seized two mobile phones and a personal laptop from Singh's possession.
Providing an official statement, Assam Police elucidated, "Following a complaint regarding the dissemination of a distorted and biased Tweet concerning the Union Home Minister, a case was registered vide Panbazar PS Case No. 93/24 u/s 153A/171G/505(1)(b) IPC r/w sec 66F IT Act. Consequently, Reetam Singh, aged 31 and son of Balwant Singh residing at Flat No: 3B, Prokash Enclave, House number 9, Harbala Path, Ulubari, was arrested on the date of 29.04.24. Additionally, two mobile phones and one personal laptop were confiscated from his possession. Further investigation into the matter is underway."
Singh's arrest follows his dissemination of a falsified video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, wherein he falsely alleged that the BJP, if elected, would abolish reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India. Singh's provocative post, dated 27th April, contained inflammatory remarks directed at the BJP and its leadership. However, Minister Shah's actual statement, made on 27th April in Telangana, contradicted Singh's claims. Minister Shah unequivocally stated, "If the BJP forms a government, then this unconstitutional Muslim reservation will be abolished. These rights belong to SC, ST, and OBC and will be granted to them by abolishing Muslim reservation."
On 28th April, Singh urged individuals to criticize the BJP government, Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and other BJP leaders. Moreover, he employed derogatory language against the Prime Minister in the same post, while assuring protection from legal ramifications by a team of distinguished Senior Lawyers and Legal Professionals from across Assam and India.
The arrest of Reetam Singh underscores the imperative of responsible and accurate dissemination of information in the public sphere, highlighting the consequences of spreading misinformation and manipulated content. Authorities continue to urge vigilance and adherence to ethical standards in digital communication to uphold the integrity of public discourse.
