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May 10, 2026 – India –
A Hyderabad-based freelance journalist, Hasan Mohiuddin Siddiqui, has been arrested by Chandigarh Police in connection with a case linked to the retweeting of a controversial social media post, an incident that has triggered renewed debate over the policing of online expression and its implications for journalistic freedom in India.
According to reports, the case was registered at the Sector-26 police station in Chandigarh after allegations that a video circulating on social media contained misleading and objectionable content. Authorities claim the journalist amplified the material by sharing or retweeting it, making him one of several individuals named in the investigation. The arrest took place in Hyderabad, following which he was transported to Chandigarh for further legal proceedings.
Police officials have stated that the investigation is focused on tracing the origin of the video and identifying all users who contributed to its circulation. The content in question is alleged to have been misrepresented from its original context, leading to claims that it could potentially spread misinformation and harm reputations.
The journalist has been placed in judicial proceedings, with reports indicating that courts have reviewed custody-related applications and procedural matters linked to the FIR. Legal processes are ongoing as authorities continue to examine digital evidence and communication records connected to the case.
Press freedom observers and media advocates have expressed concern over the arrest, arguing that the use of criminal provisions in cases involving retweets or online sharing raises questions about proportionality and intent. They caution that treating digital amplification as a criminal act could have a chilling effect on journalists and ordinary social media users alike, particularly in environments where online commentary increasingly overlaps with reporting.
At the same time, authorities maintain that action is necessary in cases where content is believed to be misleading or capable of inciting public harm, emphasizing that investigations are conducted based on evidence and applicable legal provisions.
The case continues to unfold amid broader scrutiny of how digital speech laws are applied to journalists in India, with rights groups calling for clearer safeguards to distinguish between malicious misinformation and routine journalistic or public-interest sharing online.
Reference –
https://www.siasat.com/chandigarh-police-arrest-hyderabad-journalist-over-retweet-3468142/
