Mumbai Police arrested a Right to Information (RTI) activist on Saturday for making allegedly derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya. The accused, named Ghulam Qazi, was booked under Indian Penal Code sections 509, 500,506 (2) and 504.
The man was accused of threatening the leaders and making the remarks on Facebook. In April this year, another man was detained for sending a letter to the Prime Minister citing he was going to launch a suicide attack during Modi’s visit to Kochi. In March, a Delhi court acquitted a man accused of abusing and threatening to kill the Prime Minister due to lack of evidence.
RTI (Right to Information) is a movement brought about with the sole aim of bringing transparency in government works. It promotes transparency and holds the government accountable to its people by providing citizens with the right to access governmental information and documents. Since its inception as a law in India, the RTI movement has helped bring about a positive change within the country. Citizens now have the power to question the government about various issues and initiatives, such as the Right to Education, Right to Food Security, and other social welfare schemes.
Ghulam Qazi is an active RTI activist who believes in raising public awareness on issues and making sure the government is held accountable for its actions. He has spearheaded many of the RTI initiatives in Mumbai and across the country. Despite the setback, he is still passionate about the cause and regularly files RTI applications to make sure the people’s right to information is safeguarded.
The arrest of Ghulam Qazi has sparked a nationwide debate on the importance of free speech and the need for the government to provide its people with the right to question the administration. While some view it as a negative step, it also brings to light the importance of holding the government accountable.
Sakinaka Police Station of Mumbai is responsible for the investigation and arrest of Qazi. They are currently looking into the matter and will take appropriate action against the accused.
