15-Year-Old Boy Detained, Parents Arrested Over Alleged Slogans During Cricket Match in Malvan

A 15-year-old boy was detained, his parents were arrested, and their scrap shop was demolished in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district after allegations that the boy shouted “anti-national” slogans during the India-Pakistan cricket match last Sunday.

Complaint Leads to Police Action

Sindhudurg Superintendent of Police Saurabh Agrawal stated that a passerby claimed to have heard the boy chanting slogans around 9:30 PM during the match. This led to an argument between the boy’s family and neighbors, which later turned into a serious dispute.

Following a complaint from a local resident, the police registered an FIR, and the boy was sent to an observation home. His parents were arrested on Sunday and placed in judicial custody under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

• Section 196 – Promoting enmity between different groups
• Section 197 – Statements harmful to national unity
• Section 3(5) – Acts committed with common intent

Family’s Scrap Shop Demolished

After the arrests, a motorcycle rally was held by locals demanding stricter action against the family, who had migrated from Uttar Pradesh to Malvan 15 years ago.

Soon after, the Malvan municipal council demolished their scrap shop, stating it did not have the required permits. A family-owned vehicle was also damaged during the demolition.

Political Reactions and Debate

Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane, son of former Union Minister Narayan Rane, posted on social media, claiming that the “scrap dealer made anti-India comments.” He supported the family’s removal from the district and praised local authorities for their quick action, sharing images of the demolition.

The incident has sparked debates on legal action, freedom of speech, and the role of local authorities in such cases. Further investigations are ongoing.