Prayagraj: Five FIRs have been lodged at four police stations in Pratapgarh and Fatehpur districts over the past 48 hours against social media users accused of posting or sharing derogatory remarks targeting an individual, caste, creed or religion.According to reports, the FIRs, two in Pratapgarh and three in Fatehpur, were registered under Sections 352, 353(2), 196(1)(b) and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.Police records show that more than 200 FIRs have been registered in the three districts of Prayagraj range over the past eight months. However, the registration of five cases within just 48 hours has prompted senior police officers to issue a stern warning, urging social media users to refrain from posting derogatory content related to individuals, castes, creeds or religions.Senior officers said social media monitoring cells have been activated to identify those attempting to create tension or disturb law and order through objectionable online content. Action is being taken against offenders in accordance with the law.Police said offences linked to caste-related issues are being registered under relevant provisions and categorised as caste-based, communal, linguistic, regional, religious and other disputes.A senior officer attributed the rise in such cases to misinformation on social media, political polarisation and historical caste and religious tensions. He added that preventive measures are being intensified and offenders are being booked under appropriate provisions of the BNS and IT Act.The officer said better intelligence gathering and closer monitoring of social media platforms could help prevent such incidents.
