Aurangabad: An attempt to create a social media ‘buzz’ and display dominance proved costly for two youths in Bihar, as a reel posted on Instagram featuring an illegal firearm landed them behind bars.
Taking swift cognizance of the viral video, the Phesar police arrested two youths and sent them to judicial custody under the Arms Act. A country-made pistol and a mobile phone used to record the video were recovered during the operation.
According to police, Phesar Station House Officer Varsha Kumari received information on Saturday that a youth from the area had uploaded a video on social media in which he was seen brandishing a weapon while dancing. After verifying the information, the police team conducted a raid in Phesra village and detained a youth identified as Roshan Kumar.
During interrogation, Roshan Kumar revealed that the weapon shown in the video belonged to his associate, Golden Kumar. Acting on this input, the police raided Pokhraha village and took Golden Kumar into custody. He later confessed to hiding the firearm, following which a country-made pistol was recovered from Pokhraha Bahar on his identification.
The arrested youths have been identified as Roshan Kumar, a resident of Phesra village, and Golden Kumar, a resident of Pokhraha village. Police are also verifying their criminal antecedents.
Trainee Deputy Superintendent of Police Jyoti Kumari said that posting videos with illegal weapons on social media is a serious criminal offence. She added that the police are closely monitoring social media platforms and will continue strict action against those involved in illegal arms activities.
An FIR has been registered under the Arms Act, and both accused have been sent to judicial custody. The operation involved SI Rajkumar Yadav, Digvijay Singh, and other armed police personnel.