Arun Limboo, the spokesperson of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), was arrested on Sunday, September 15, under non-bailable charges for allegedly circulating defamatory and derogatory content targeting Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his spouse, Krishna Kumari Rai. The arrest has sparked a political controversy, with the opposition party labeling it an “undemocratic move” and a direct assault on free speech.
Allegations and Charges
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Sonam Chhodden Bhutia, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, Arun Limboo had shared a series of videos on social media containing manipulated images, controversial hashtags, and language deemed derogatory. The videos reportedly referred to the CM and his spouse using terms such as “atom bomb” and “hydrogen bomb,” and accused them of misusing government resources.
The FIR further claimed that the content amounted to multiple serious offenses, including:
- Defamation
- Criminal intimidation
- Forgery
- Invasion of privacy
- Incitement of violence
Authorities stated that the material posed a threat to public peace and national security, warranting non-bailable sections under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.
Political Fallout and Protests
The arrest triggered a swift and sharp reaction from the Sikkim Democratic Front. Party president Komal Chamling, along with dozens of supporters, led a protest outside the Sadar police station late Sunday evening. Holding placards and shouting slogans, the protesters demanded Limboo’s immediate release and decried the police action as “excessive, unjust, and politically motivated.”
Legal Proceedings Underway
Arun Limboo is currently in police custody and is expected to be produced before a magistrate for further proceedings. Sources close to the investigation indicated that the police may seek extended custody for interrogation related to the origin and intent of the videos.
Meanwhile, the SDF has called for a broader debate on the limits of political speech and the state’s role in regulating online content, raising concerns over what it sees as the growing intolerance toward opposition voices in Sikkim.
