DEHRADUN: Chamoli district police have arrested three men from Bihar for allegedly starting a forest fire in the district’s Gairsain area, approximately 260km from Dehradun, and uploading to video of the incident on social media to “get more views”.
The arrest was made on Saturday evening after police took suo-motu knowledge of the video making rounds online, officials said.
Superintendent of police (Chamoli) Sarvesh Panwar said, “Based on the video from Pandukhal village under Gairsain police station, the three accused were tracked down and arrested. Brajesh Kunar, Sukhlal and Salman, all residents of Bihar, were working there as labourers. “
“During questioning, the trio said they wanted to get more likes and followers to increase their popularity on social media with the dramatic video,” he added.
The senior officials added that the three men were booked under relevant section of Forest Act and Indian Penal Code.
He further urged the public to refrain from indulging in such activities, emphasizing that “starting a forest fire or promoting it is a criminal act which invites legal action. Anyone found guilty will be dealt with strictly as per the law.”
