Sedition charges dropped against 15 arrested in MP for shouting 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans

Burhanpur: The Madhya Pradesh authorities on Thursday decided to withdraw the sedition charges slapped on 15 Muslims who were arrested for allegedly shouting pro-Pakistan slogans and bursting crackers after the neighbouring country's victory over India in the finals of ICC Champions Trophy.

According to ANI, the MP police dropped the charges on directions from senior officials.

However, 15 men in question have now been charged under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for "disturbing communal harmony".

Residents of Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh, these 15 men were arrested for criminal conspiracy and sedition, after they allegedly raised pro-Pakistan slogans and celebrated Pakistan's Champions Trophy cricket triumph against India which was held on June 18.

Station-in-charge Shahpur Sanjay Pathak said, "According to 124A IPC, any individual who disrespects nation or outrages is dignity will be prosecuted,"

"The accused here after the match got concluded celebrated Pakistan's victory and hence have been arrested Sec120B, 124A of IPC," he added.

The action was taken against the 15 men following a complaint by a villager that the accused burst crackers and distributed sweets among villagers, besides raising pro-Pakistan slogans at Mohad village.

According to reports, similar complaints had been received from the village, which is located close to the Maharashtra border, in the past during India-Pakistan cricket encounters. 

With ANI inputs