The Kolkata Police has removed its tweet requesting information about a Twitter user who shared a popular meme featuring West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee following widespread criticism online.
The tweet was taken down after the Kolkata Police faced backlash on social media for what was perceived as an overreaction, with many users condemning the police for seeking personal details of a Twitter user over a meme.
Numerous social media users shared the video, quoting the police’s tweet asking for details of the Twitter user who posted the meme featuring Mamata Banerjee.
The official Twitter account of the DCP Crime Branch of Kolkata Police had directed a social media user to disclose his identity, including name and address after he shared a spoof video of CM Mamata Banerjee on the platform.
“You are directed to immediately disclose your identity including name and residence. If the information sought is not revealed, you shall be liable for legal action u/s 42 CrPC,” the official Twitter account of the DCP Crime Branch of Kolkata Police tweeted.
The tweet was in response to a spoof video of Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress. The video, depicting Mamata Banerjee dancing to a song, had gained significant traction on social media with over 400 retweets.
A notice sent to the user by the Kolkata Police stated, “It has been observed that you are using social media for posting offensive, malicious, and inciting posts. You are hereby directed to delete the above-mentioned post and also refrain from such acts failing which you will be liable for strict penal action under the relevant provisions of the law.”
