Kuthma Sheikh, a 25-year-old Muslim woman was arrested on Thursday in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district for wishing people on Pakistan’s Republic Day.
Pakistan’s Republic Day was on 23 March.
Sheikh was released on bail a day later, on 25 March, Indian Express reported.
The message posted by Kuthma Sheikh read: “May God bless every nation with peace, unity and harmony.”
The case was registered based on Hindu right activist Arun Kumar Bhajantri’s complaint. The case was filed under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.) and 505 (2) (statements promoting enmity between groups) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Sheikh, a Mudhol resident, is a senior student at a Madrassa, according to Indian Express.
The police said Sheikh was arrested to maintain peace and law and order situation.
“Her post could be interpreted as if it was meant to commemorate Pakistan’s Republic Day. It could lead to unrest and protests and counter-protests, if we had not acted on time,” a police officer told The Hindu.
