Nagaland: Animal Rights activist Hema Choudhary booked under cyber law for objectionable remarks against Nagas

Animal Rights activist, based in Mumbai, Hema Choudhary has been booked under Cyber law for derogatory statements against the people of Nagaland conducing to public mischief and also promoting enmity between different groups of people, which is prejudicial to maintenance of harmony in a video posted on social media. She posted the video on YouTube and Facebook on July 4^th, 2020

She has been booked under Cyber Crime PS Case No. 08/2020 Under sections 153A, 153B, 505(1), 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code R/W 3(r), 3(s), 3(u) SC/ST (POA) Act.

A non-bailable warrant of arrest was issued by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kohima against Hema Chowdhary and subsequently a team of Nagaland Police led by a Dy.SP rank officer proceeded to Mumbai on July 15^th, 2020. In collaboration with the local Mumbai Police, the accused Hema Chowdhary was tracked to her residence in Oshiwara, Mumbai, and arrested on July 17^th, 2020.

Also read: Mumbai-based animal rights activist arrested over remarks on Nagas for eating dog meat

On completion of arrest formalities, a Transit Remand of 4 (Four) days was granted by the Mumbai Court on July 18^th, 2020. The accused has been brought to Nagaland from Mumbai via Delhi and Imphal on July 20^th, 2020. All standard operating protocols as per the guidelines issued by the State Health & Family Welfare Department relating to the Covid-19 pandemic are being adhered to. Further investigation into the offence will be made as per the laid down procedures of law.

The activist from Mumbai made some objectionable remarks on the Naga people for eating dog meat. This earned her wrath of the people of the state.

It may be mentioned, on July 3rd, 2020, Nagaland Government decided to ban commercial import and trading of dogs and dog markets and also the sale of dog meat, both cooked and uncooked in the state.

To forward more details on the matter, the Chief Secretary of Nagaland tweeted regarding the matter.

Earlier, the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) on Thursday made a fresh appeal to the Nagaland government to take immediate actions to implement a ban on the sale, smuggling and consumption of dog meat in the state. It also urged the state government to ensure enforcement of stringent animal welfare laws.

“We are once again hit by shock and horror at recent images that have emerged from ‘animal markets’ in Dimapur, Nagaland where dogs are seen in terrifying conditions, tied up in sacks (gunny bags), waiting at a wet market, for their illegal slaughter, trade and consumption as meat,” FIAPO executive director Varda Mehrotra said in a release.

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