Guwahati : Controversial social media user Shikha Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly defaming renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, has been sent to judicial custody. After the completion of her two-day police remand, the court on Tuesday remanded Sharma to 14 days of judicial custody. With this, she has once again become an inmate of the Guwahati Central Jail.
Before being produced in court, Sharma created a scene outside the Panbazar Women Police Station, raising slogans and alleging that her arrest was part of a “Congress conspiracy.” She was seen shouting that the defamation case against her was a bailable offence. However, it is noteworthy that multiple serious and non-bailable sections have been invoked against her under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Based on Case No. 2/26 registered at the Crime Branch Cyber Police Station, Shikha Sharma has been booked under Sections 152, 196, 299, 351, 352, 353, and 356 of the BNS. It is on the basis of this case that the controversial woman has been sent to jail.
Apart from the Crime Branch case, several organisations including the Zubeen Garg Fan Club, Zubeen Anuragi Mancha, members of the artist community, and journalists have also filed separate complaints against Sharma.
It may be recalled that on Monday, following the filing of an FIR by Zubeen Garg’s wife Garima Saikia Garg at the Crime Branch, Shikha Sharma was arrested from her residence at Patharquary in Guwahati.
The complaint stated that Sharma had published a public post on her Facebook profile using obscene and abusive language, making false and derogatory remarks about the character of the late singer Zubeen Garg. The post not only targeted the legendary artist but also included insulting comments and threats directed at his wife and other family members.
Known for her abusive and provocative behaviour on social media, Shikha Sharma has often courted controversy in the past by spreading communal hatred and making inflammatory remarks on sensitive Hindu-Muslim issues. Having gained notoriety solely through offensive conduct online, she has now landed behind bars at the Guwahati Central Jail following widespread outrage and legal action.
