Ujjain-based journalist Poon Tiwari faces an FIR; authorities cite potential social disharmony while critics argue over disproportionate action
GORAKHPUR – Uttar Pradesh police have arrested a journalist from Madhya Pradesh for allegedly sharing a “provocative and objectionable” image of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on social media, sparking debates over freedom of expression and claims of community-based tensions.
The journalist, identified as 35-year-old Poon Tiwari, hails from Sakhipura police station area in Ballia district but currently resides in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, where he works professionally. Police allege that Tiwari uploaded the post on Facebook during a family wedding in his native village, and the content quickly went viral.
According to authorities, the image in question depicted the chief minister allegedly pulling a Brahmin youth’s tuft (choti), accompanied by a caption reading: “In the land of saints, a Ravana has torn the nation’s honour apart. He calls himself Yogi and makes Brahmin youths get beaten while pulling their chotis. Sanatani will never forget this.”
The FIR was filed on Monday at a city police station following a complaint from Amrish Kumar Pandey, General Secretary of the BJP’s Hanuman Ganj Mandal unit. The complaint alleges that the post was intended to disturb social harmony and incite hostility between different communities.
“The post was shared with the intent to provoke a particular community and disrupt peace,” said Station House Officer Kshitij Tripathi. He confirmed Tiwari’s arrest and subsequent custody in jail under Section 196(1)(b) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, or birthplace.
While authorities argue that the post could incite social tension, critics have raised concerns over press freedom and the proportionality of the police response. Observers note that Tiwari’s alleged action took place during a private, family event and question whether the content warranted immediate arrest.
The police have indicated that further investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing. The incident has reignited conversations about social media regulations, community sensitivities, and the role of journalism in political discourse.
