Gujarat Congress Leader Arrested Over Social Media Posts Regarding Operation Sindoor

Arrest of Rajesh Soni

Rajesh Soni, a prominent figure in the Gujarat Congress, was taken into custody on Friday for allegedly disseminating misleading and morale-damaging information about Operation Sindoor via social media, as reported by local sources.

He faces charges under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which address actions that threaten India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity, as well as public mischief, according to Bharatsinh Tank, Superintendent of Police (CID-Cyber Crime).

The initial report leading to his arrest was lodged following a complaint from a sub-inspector in the cybercrime unit of Gandhinagar.

Soni reportedly shared videos and images on Facebook related to Operation Sindoor, the Rafale deal, and other sensitive topics, which the complaint claims were intended to undermine the morale of the Indian Army and create public distrust in its operations.

On May 7, tensions heightened between India and Pakistan when the Indian military executed strikes, dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeting what it identified as terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This military action was a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals on April 22.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Army engaged in shelling Indian villages along the Line of Control, leading to casualties among civilians and defense personnel.

Following four days of conflict, both nations reached an agreement on May 10 to cease hostilities.

The complainant asserted that Soni's posts were detrimental to the Indian Army's morale and spread falsehoods that could harm India's international reputation.

Congress Responds to the Arrest

Congress Criticism

The Congress party has condemned the arrest of Rajesh Soni.

Shaktisinh Gohil, the head of Gujarat Congress, stated that Soni did not make any disparaging remarks about the military or the nation.

He emphasized that Soni merely suggested that the valor of the armed forces should be recognized and that government funds should not be exploited for political gain in relation to Operation Sindoor.

Gohil expressed that citizens are concerned that soldiers may not receive the acknowledgment they deserve due to the government's publicity efforts.

Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani added that Soni's arrest stemmed from sharing posts made by party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Supriya Shrinate.