Blogger Arrested In Bengal For Criticizing Islam- Where Are The Champions Of Free Speech Now?

Tarak Biswas, a freethinker and blogger based in West Bengal, was arrested minutes after he criticised Islam on social media. Acting on the complaint lodged by Sanaullah Khan, a local leader from the ruling Trinamool Congress, the police arrested Tarak in the wee hours of the night.

Tarak was arrested on the charges of hurting religious sentiments and posting offensive messages through communication services and produced in court where he was remanded to seven-day police custody.

While one democratic rights protection group registered protest by demanding Tarak’s immediate release, the left-leaning champions of free speech who protested against governments’ alleged crackdown on JNU following anti-national protests orchestrated by ultra-left-wing student-turned-political-activists including Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid remain silent. A question remains as to the motives behind their silence.

These groups have, time and again, blamed the government for curbing their right to free speech. Not only have they raised questions on army’s conduct in Kashmir, but have also hurt sentiments of Hindus throughout the country. If anti-national groups can enjoy the right to free speech, why can’t Tarak Biswas?

Also Read:

1) Smriti Irani On How Leftists At JNU Spin The Story Of Durga

2) Why JNU’s Mahishasura Story Is An Intellectual Travesty And Not Alternative Reading