Barpeta, Assam, August 30, 2024 — A 20-year-old student from Barpeta, Assam, was arrested late Thursday night following allegations that he shared a social media post deemed offensive to Hindu religious sentiments. The student, identified as Sanidul Haque, also known as Mridul Ahmed, is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Assamese at Madhab Choudhury College.
The controversy erupted after Haque posted an image on Facebook depicting someone urinating on an image of Lord Shree Ram, accompanied by derogatory remarks. The post rapidly went viral, sparking outrage among Hindu communities and leading to several complaints filed by religious and student organizations.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was among the first to report the incident, filing a complaint with the Superintendent of Police in Barpeta. In response, Assam’s Director General of Police, GP Singh, ordered Haque’s immediate arrest. Other organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, also lodged complaints at the Barpeta Road Police Station, condemning the post as an affront to Hindu beliefs.
Following the arrest, tensions escalated at Madhab Choudhury College, with some students demanding Haque’s expulsion. They have warned of potential protests if the college administration does not take appropriate disciplinary action against him.
As the investigation continues, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, while the college administration faces growing pressure to address the demands of the student body and religious groups. The incident has highlighted ongoing sensitivities surrounding religious expression in Assam.