Uttar Pradesh police have made a stunning move that has sent shockwaves across the nation. AltNews co-founder Mohammed Zubair has been charged with attempting secession under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This severe charge comes with a terrifying consequence life imprisonment.
Section 152 of the BNS, which deals with threatening India’s sovereignty and integrity, has become a powerful tool in the hands of the authorities to silence dissenting voices. In this case, the UP police have invoked this law to accuse Mohammed Zubair of endangering India’s unity.
AltNews, a fact-checking website known for its rigorous examination of news and social media posts, has been a vocal critic of misinformation and fake news. Founded by Mohammed Zubair and his colleague Pratik Sinha, the site has become an important player in India’s fight against false information.
However, this bold stance has come at a great personal cost. Zubair has frequently been the target of harassment and smear campaigns. But this latest development has heightened the stakes significantly. If convicted under Section 152 of the BNS, Zubair faces a lengthy prison term, effectively extinguishing a prominent voice in the battle against disinformation.
The decision by the UP police raises serious questions about India’s commitment to free speech. The government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has faced mounting criticism for its growing intolerance to dissent. Will this new case be the final nail in the coffin for India’s declining democratic values? Only time will tell.