MP: Man held on sedition charges for pro-Pak comments after T20 World Cup match

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in Mhya Presh's Satna district on charges of sedition for allegedly making pro-Pakistan comments after neighbouring country's victory over India in a recent match of ongoing T20 cricket World Cup, an official said on Monday.

FIR was registered against man on Sunday night at Maihar police station following a complaint by Vishwa Hindu Parish (VHP) Satna district secretary Anurag Mishra and ors.

“ man, identified as Mohammed Farooq, 23, has been booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 124-A (sedition), 153-B (assertions prejudicial to national integration), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 505 (public mischief) following complaint,” Maihar's sub-divisional officer of police Himali Soni told PTI over phone.

She said after being arrested, Farooq was on Monday produced before a local court which sent him to jail.

According to FIR, Farooq allegedly posted comments “Pakistan Zindab” and “Babar Azam Zindab” on timeline of ar Facebook user, identified as Sahil Khan, after Pakistan's victory in T20 World Cup match against India on October 24.

Babar Azam is Pakistan team's captain in T20 World Cup championship.

Farooq's comments came after Khan in his Facebook post said "even though Pakistan has won match, India has won our hearts” along with pictures of captains of both teams, FIR said quoting complaint.

According to complainants, Farooq's post in favour of neighbouring country after India's defeat hurt sentiments of patriots and falls under charge of sedition, FIR said.

In past one week, a number of people were arrested or detained in Uttar Presh and Rajasthan on similar charges.

On October 24, Pakistan defeated India by 10 wickets in a Super 12 game for ir first win in 13 attempts over arch-rivals India in World Cup match.