New Delhi: Delhi Police’s Cyber Crime branch has arrested 22 years old environmental activist and student Disha Ravi. She was arrested in a case registered in relation to an online open document about Farmers protests.
Arrested from Bengaluru yesterday, Disha Ravi was today presented before a court in Delhi. As per media reports, Disha Ravi broke down in court saying that she had edited only two lines in an open and online document related to Farmers Protest.
“I did not make a Toolkit. We wanted to support the farmers. I edited two lines on February 3,” Disha Ravi told the Delhi court where she was produced earlier today.
Sent on 5 Days Police Remand:
The court has reportedly sent Disha Ravi on five days police remand.
FIR Against Creators of Toolkit:
The Delhi police had registered an FIR under sections 124A (Sedition), 153B (promoting enmity between various groups) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC after internationally renowned environmental activist Greta Thunberg had tweeted a link of an online document containing information related to farmers protests in India.
FIRs not uploaded Online:
Despite clear directions of Supreme Court of India that all FIRs should be uploaded online within 24 hours of their registration, the Delhi police have not uploaded copies of FIRs registered in relation to Farmers Protests.
FIR related to Farmers Protest Toolkit is also not uploaded online yet.
Police’s Allegations:
Police are alleging that the “Toolkit” was a “Khalistani conspiracy” against India.
Police have accused Disha Ravi of being a key conspirator in the document’s formulation and dissemination and alleged that she is trying to revive a Khalistani group.
What is this ‘Toolkit’?
As per information the ‘toolkit’ was a simple document created over Google Docs and many people are believed to have contributed to it, as this document was an ‘open document’. It contained information about Farmers protests, India’s new farm laws against which farmers are protesting, information about reliable sources of information- including social media & news media platforms, and some general tips related to social media campaigns in support of farmers protests.
Failure of BJP’s IT Cell in Farmers Protests:
It is notable that farmers protest is the first effective stance when all attempts of BJP’s IT cell to spread disinformation against farmers protests and influence online narrative have fallen flat.