Gujarat Congress general secretary Rajesh Soni was arrested on Friday for allegedly sharing misleading and morale-breaking content on social media regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’, a recent Indian military mission targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
According to police, the action was taken by the Cyber Crime Cell of the Gujarat State CID following the registration of an FIR on Thursday. The controversial post was shared on Facebook and reportedly contained information that could demoralize Indian defence personnel and threaten national sovereignty.
Superintendent of Police (CID-Cyber Crime) Bharatsinh Tank confirmed Soni’s arrest and stated that he has been charged under sections 152 and 353(1)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 152 relates to acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India, while section 353(1)(a) pertains to statements conducing to public mischief.
Authorities claim the Congress leader’s statements were not only misleading but also detrimental to national morale, especially concerning a sensitive military operation aimed at neutralizing cross-border threats.
Soni’s post allegedly downplayed the success of the Indian Armed Forces and cast doubts over the intent and outcomes of Operation Sindoor, which was launched last month.
The arrest comes amid heightened online surveillance by cybercrime units, especially regarding defence-related misinformation. Law enforcement continues to monitor and investigate digital content deemed harmful to national interest.
