Boy issues threats to MLA & son for likes on social media

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A minor was detained and later released with a notice on Friday for using four fake Instagram accounts to send death threats to Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar and son Abhimanyu to gain social media attention. It took the Jalna taluka police 24 hours after Khotkar's complaint to zero in on the offender.
Abhimanyu approached the Jalna taluka police after they received threatening messages on Instagram from four different accounts. He lodged a formal complaint and the police launched a probe into identifying the origin of the handles.
The probe led to a minor, who is a local resident. He was detained. During questioning, the boy confessed to the police that he created the fake accounts and sent out threats to gain followers on social media.
"He told us he did it for likes and online popularity," said inspector Suresh Unwane. He was issued a notice and released as per juvenile procedure. The investigation is on and police are examining if anyone else was involved, he added.
Khotkar said the threats would not deter him or his family. "I have demanded strict action in the matter," he said. Jalna superintendent of police Ajay Kumar Bansal said the incident highlights a growing trend where minors, driven by urge to go viral, are engaging in reckless online behaviour. A case has been registered and further inquiry is underway to determine if there was any external influence or support.