In a shocking development linked to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, including two foreign tourists, a man from Jharkhand's Bokaro district has been arrested for posting highly controversial and inflammatory content on social media. The arrested individual, identified as Md Naushad, reportedly shared posts on the platform X (formerly Twitter), praising Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—the group allegedly behind the deadly incident.

The man was arrested from Millat Nagar within the jurisdiction of Balidih police station in Bokaro, Jharkhand. The arrest has further stoked public outrage across the nation, which is still grappling with the aftermath of the gruesome massacre in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The Post That Sparked Outrage

According to Balidih Police Station's officer-in-charge Naveen Kumar, Naushad had shared a post that included phrases such as "Thank You Pakistan" and "Thank You Lashkar-e-Taiba", shortly after the news of the attack surfaced. These words, seen as deeply provocative and supportive of terrorist activity, sparked an immediate response from law enforcement.

Naushad is currently in police custody and is undergoing intense interrogation. Officials are trying to ascertain whether his actions were isolated or part of a broader nexus involving online radicalisation or sympathies toward extremist ideologies.

The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Recap

The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred on Tuesday, is now being called the deadliest terrorist strike targeting civilians in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists who were enjoying a picnic in the scenic town. Witnesses and early investigations indicate that the attackers asked about the religion of the tourists before singling out Hindu pilgrims and unleashing a deadly ambush.

The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be a proxy group for Lashkar-e-Taiba, has taken responsibility for the attack. Security agencies are working round-the-clock to trace the attackers, with massive combing operations underway across the region.

National Reaction and Security Measures

The attack has drawn nationwide condemnation, from political leaders across party lines to civil society members and international observers. There is a heightened security alert in multiple cities, with special focus on religious places, public gatherings, and tourist spots.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has responded with strong countermeasures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, an unprecedented diplomatic move that marks a severe escalation in India’s response to Pakistan’s alleged involvement or sheltering of terror groups.

Online Radicalisation in the Spotlight

Naushad’s arrest also brings to light the growing concern over radical content and pro-terror sympathies being expressed on social media. In recent years, platforms like X, Facebook, and Telegram have increasingly come under scrutiny for their role in enabling extremist narratives.

While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, praising terrorist organisations or supporting acts of violence falls under the ambit of criminal offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code related to sedition and promoting enmity between groups.

Legal Implications and Future Outlook

Md Naushad could face serious charges under UAPA, which includes provisions for detention without bail and stringent punishment, if found guilty. His arrest also sends a clear message about zero tolerance for glorification of terrorism, especially when the nation is in mourning over the tragic deaths of innocent civilians.

Authorities are likely to track and monitor additional digital footprints, and collaborate with central cyber crime units to prevent such incidents from recurring. There's also likely to be renewed discussion on tightening social media regulations and enhancing counter-radicalisation efforts at both state and central levels.

Conclusion

The arrest of Md Naushad in Bokaro for allegedly supporting a brutal terror act has ignited critical debates around national security, social media regulation, and the legal boundaries of free expression. As India copes with the grief and anger stemming from the Pahalgam tragedy, strong institutional and societal responses are emerging to ensure such hateful ideologies do not take root or find public platforms of support.

While the investigation into Naushad’s motives continues, the message from law enforcement and the broader society is clear: terrorism and its sympathisers will find no refuge in the digital or physical space of the nation.

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