Updated on: November 12, 2025 | 7:39 PM IST

In the wake of the deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday, which claimed at least 10 lives and injured several others, law enforcement authorities in Assam have acted swiftly against individuals spreading inflammatory content related to the incident on social media. Five people were arrested from various districts of the state for allegedly sharing offensive posts and provocative messages about the blast.

The arrests were announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma through his official X account. “In connection with the recent Delhi blast, Assam Police has arrested the following individuals for spreading offensive and inflammatory content online,” he stated.

Arrested Individuals

Police identified the five arrested persons as:

• Mattiur Rahman from Darrang
• Hassan Ali Mondal from Goalpara
• Abdul Latif from Chirang
• Wajhul Kamal from Kamrup
• Nur Amin Ahmed from Bongaigaon

The arrests came after the individuals were found posting content that allegedly glorified the act of terror or incited hatred. According to police sources, suo motu cases were registered against them under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which deals with offenses related to public order and incitement.

Government Response and Rationale

CM Sarma emphasized that the Assam Police would continue to act “swiftly and firmly against anyone misusing social media to spread hatred or glorify terror.” Authorities stated that the monitoring of online platforms has intensified, particularly in the aftermath of high-profile incidents like the Red Fort blast.

A senior police officer remarked, “People have been advised not to post or share content that could be deemed inflammatory or sensitive in nature. The misuse of social media to spread communal discord or to celebrate acts of terrorism will not be tolerated.”

The directive from the state administration comes against the backdrop of social media activity in Assam following the Delhi blast. Reports indicated that several users had posted “happy emojis” in response to the tragedy. The Chief Minister commented on such behavior, saying, “If they are expressing joy over such an incident, they must be sympathetic towards terrorists and we are not going to tolerate this.”

Other Related Incidents

The crackdown in Assam also follows earlier incidents where online and offline expressions of support for the blast were being scrutinized. On Tuesday, a retired principal of a government school in Cachar district was briefly detained for allegedly making a politically motivated remark about the incident. The individual was later released with a notice, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das.

Broader Context

The Delhi Red Fort blast occurred during rush hour on a busy arterial road, when a Hyundai i20 car laden with explosives detonated near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro station. The explosion caused mass panic and left vehicles gutted in the vicinity. First responders and locals rushed to help the wounded, while hospitals like LNJP Hospitaladmitted multiple injured victims. Investigations have linked the blast to an extremist module allegedly connected to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and individuals associated with Al-Falah University in Haryana.

Authorities across India, including in Assam, have since been vigilantly monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation, hate speech, or content that could incite communal unrest. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly urged citizens to exercise caution while posting or sharing sensitive material online.

Legal and Social Implications

The arrests underscore the increasing importance that state authorities place on regulating online content, particularly in the aftermath of terrorist incidents. Social media has become a critical battlefield where misinformation, inflammatory content, and glorification of violent acts can significantly impact public order and security.

In Assam, the legal framework provided under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita empowers authorities to take preventive and corrective action against individuals whose social media activity is deemed likely to disturb public peace. The state has made it clear that such measures are intended to protect communal harmony, prevent incitement, and ensure public safety, especially during high-profile national security incidents.

Moving Forward

CM Sarma’s announcement and the Assam Police arrests send a clear message: the state administration is vigilant against attempts to exploit tragic events for political, communal, or ideological gains. Authorities have reiterated that citizens must act responsibly online and that sharing or glorifying acts of terrorism carries serious legal consequences.

The five individuals arrested will be subjected to legal proceedings, and further investigations are likely to uncover the network or motivation behind their online activity. Meanwhile, Assam Police and other agencies will continue proactive surveillance of digital platforms to ensure that incidents like the Red Fort blast do not trigger further unrest or propagate extremist narratives.

The prompt action by Assam Police reflects a growing trend among Indian states to take preventive measures against social media misuse, especially in sensitive times when incidents of terror or mass violence occur. Authorities have also asked the public to cooperate with law enforcement, avoid sharing unverified information, and report suspicious content to prevent escalation.

The arrests in Assam serve as a reminder that social media accountability has become an integral part of the state’s strategy to maintain law and order, particularly during events that have national security implications.