An 18-year-old man has been arrested by Banswara district police after allegedly uploading an Instagram reel showing a weapon to project power, encourage similar behaviour and create fear among the public.
The action was taken in the Kalinjara police station area under the direction of Superintendent of Police Sudhir Joshi.
The reel quickly caught police attention
According to police, the social media cell received information about a weapon-related post uploaded by a young man from the Kalinjara area. The reel reportedly went viral, prompting police to act.
A team led by Station House Officer Tejus Singh detained Kalpesh, 18, son of Shankar Charpota and a resident of Chhinch in the Kalinjara police station area.
The gun was not what it seemed
During questioning and examination of the reel, police found that the weapon shown in the video was an airgun.
Despite this, police alleged that Kalpesh had created the reel to show off his power on social media and create an atmosphere of fear.
Police take action under BNSS
Police said the young man was arrested and action was initiated under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The case has also drawn attention to the growing practice of young people displaying weapons or weapon-like objects online for attention and influence.
Police say social media is being watched
Banswara district police said they are continuously monitoring social media platforms and taking action against posts that they believe promote anti-social behaviour or create fear and panic.
Police have urged young people not to display weapons online or create content intended to frighten others.
The warning is clear: even when a weapon shown online turns out to be an airgun, using it to threaten, intimidate or project criminal influence can still attract police action.