Twitterati have erupted in anger on reports that the Uttar Pradesh Police had arrested journalist Ali Sohrab for one of his objectionable tweet, posted in the immediate aftermath of Hindutva leader Kamlesh Tiwari’s murder. According to reports, the UP Police arrested Sohrab, who owns the Twitter handle @kakavaani, from his Delhi home.
Lawyer Anas took to Twitter to inform about Sohrab’s arrest. He wrote, “An FIR registered in P.S. Hazratganj, Lucknow has resulted in arrest of @AliSohrab007. Transit remand has been granted. Never agreed with him but we’re keeping an eye on this development. Speaking to lawyers in Lucknow.”
Anas also said that since none of the charges against Sohrab entailed a punishment of more than three years, getting a bail should not be difficult.
An FIR registered in P.S. Hazratganj, Lucknow has resulted in arrest of @AliSohrab007 . Transit remand has been granted.
Never agreed with him but we’re keeping an eye on this development.
Speaking to lawyers in Lucknow.— बुकरात वकील (انس) (@Vakeel_Sb) November 16, 2019
Janta Ka Reporter made several attempts to get reactions from the Lucknow Police but they were unavailable for comment.
Meanwhile, Twitterati have trended hashtag #ReleaseAlisohrab demanding his imemdiate release.
I have great disagreement with @AliSohrab007 , I called him out in the past.
But I still support him bcz his arrest shows duplicity of the system.
Police never take action against verified RW trolls who call for ethnic cleansing of minorities,WHY??#ReleaseAlisohrab
— Md Asif Khan آصِف (@imMAK02) November 16, 2019
#ReleaseAliSohrab
Please tweet with this hashtag!— Dr Yasir Nadeem (@Mufti_Yasir) November 16, 2019
At one hand religious fanatics can intimidate, threat and abuse but no action.
On the other hand @AliSohrab007 hals been arrested for expressing himself.
Are we still in democracy???
Debate, discussion and dissent remain are the core of any democracy.#ReleaseAliSohrab
— Md Obaidullah (@mdbaid) November 16, 2019
#NationalPressDay के दिन @AliSohrab007 की गिरफ़्तारी शर्मनाक है। उत्तर प्रदेश सरकार ने फिर देश को अंतरराष्ट्रीय पटल पर शर्मसार किया।#ReleaseAliSohrab
— Prashant Kanojia (@PJkanojia) November 16, 2019
जिस धारा का इस्तेमाल @Uppolice ने किया @AliSohrab007 को गिरफ्तार करने के लिए, अगर उस धारा का सही इस्तेमाल पिछले कई सालों से किया जाता तो @Uppolice द्वारा सरकार में बैठे गुंडों को जेलों के भरना पड़ता
लेकिन ये बस SC ST OBC के लिए इस्तेमाल की जा रही है#ReleaseAliSohrab @PJkanojia— Irshad (@Irshad44945261) November 16, 2019
According to reports, Sohrab had allegedly posted a tweet whose tone indicated celebration on the murder of Kamlesh Tiwari.