A 30-year-old man was forced to do a sit-in outside a police station in Mumbai holding a placard to clarify that he is not a terrorist, after rumours were allegedly spread via WhatsApp branding him a terrorist.
Saeed Ali Khan lodged a complaint with the Mumbai Police yesterday regarding purported messages and photos were posted on WhatsApp branding him a terrorist, an official at Virar police station said today.
"The matter is being looked into and further action will be taken after thorough investigation," the police said.
Mr Khan claimed that police initially refused to take his complaint, following which he, along with his family members, staged a protest in front of the police station.
During the protest, Mr Khan and his family members held placards which read 'My name is Saeed Ali Khan. I am not terrorist'.
Mr Khan, who also submitted the photos and messages along with his complaint to the police, alleged that the problem started after he refused to pay extra maintenance as sought by a man claiming to be the landlord of the building.
A resident of Gopchadpada in Virar, Mr Khan alleged that a man, claiming to be the landlord of the building where he resides, demanded Rs. 2,000 as maintenance.
"After I refused, he threatened me and also set my tempo on fire," he alleged.
"The man then posted a photo of mine on WhatsApp with a message that I am a terrorist. If anyone finds me they should catch me and hand over to police," Mr Khan alleged.
"Now, I face problems while venturing out as locals look at me suspiciously," he said.
