Pune Police Book Students for Performance Allegedly Glorifying Maoist Leader Hidma
Police in Pune, India, have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two students and others for allegedly glorifying Madvi Hidma, a deceased Maoist leader, during a cultural event at a government-run boys’ hostel. The performance, which took place between April 6 and 14, involved dancing to a song about Hidma, who was killed by security forces in 2025. While the event's backdrop was themed 'Save Trees,' authorities claim the content undermined national integrity. The accused, BBA students from Gadchiroli district, stated they were unaware of Hidma’s identity as a Naxal commander and selected the track for its popularity and beats in the Vidarbha region. They wore costumes resembling tribal freedom fighters Birsa Munda and Veer Baburao Shedmake. Charges were filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to prejudicial imputations against national integration and causing public mischief. No arrests have been made yet, with investigations ongoing. Local officials suggested the students may have acted innocently, noting a similar incident in Delhi the previous year where youths were arrested for pro-Hidma slogans.
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Pune Police Book Students for Performance Allegedly Glorifying Maoist Leader Hidma
Police in Pune, India, have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two students and others for allegedly glorifying Madvi Hidma, a deceased Maoist leader, during a cultural event at a government-run boys’ hostel. The performance, which took place between April 6 and 14, involved dancing to a song about Hidma, who was killed by security forces in 2025. While the event's backdrop was themed 'Save Trees,' authorities claim the content undermined national integrity. The accused, BBA students from Gadchiroli district, stated they were unaware of Hidma’s identity as a Naxal commander and selected the track for its popularity and beats in the Vidarbha region. They wore costumes resembling tribal freedom fighters Birsa Munda and Veer Baburao Shedmake. Charges were filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to prejudicial imputations against national integration and causing public mischief. No arrests have been made yet, with investigations ongoing. Local officials suggested the students may have acted innocently, noting a similar incident in Delhi the previous year where youths were arrested for pro-Hidma slogans.
indianexpress