Hema Chowdhary
Hema Chowdhary (third from right) in Nagaland Police custody on Monday. Image credit - Northeast Now

Hema Chowdhary, an animal rights activist, who allegedly made derogatory statements against the Nagas on consumption of dog meat, was brought to Nagaland on Monday evening after her arrest in Mumbai on July 17.

The accused has been brought to Nagaland from Mumbai via Delhi and Imphal, superintendent of police (crime) and Nagaland Police PRO Manojkumar said.

There have been vehement protests against her offensive remarks by the Nagas in Nagaland and outside and others.

A case was registered against Chowdhary vide cyber crime PS case no. 08/2020 U/S 153A/153B/505(1)/505(2) IPC R/W 3(r)/3(s)/3(u) SC/ST (POA) Act in connection with a video posted by her on YouTube/Facebook on July 4.

In the video, the Manojkumar in a statement said, she made derogatory statements against the Nagas conducing to public mischief and also promoting enmity between different groups of people, which is pre-judicial to maintenance of harmony.

The Kohima chief judicial magistrate issued a non-bailable warrant against Chowdhary and subsequently a team of Nagaland police led by a deputy SP rank officer went to Mumbai on July 15.

She was tracked to her residence at Oshiwara in Mumbai and arrested on July 17 in collaboration with Mumbai police.

On completion of arrest formalities, the Mumbai court granted a transit remand her for four days on July 18, the statement said.

The Nagaland Police said all standard operating protocols as per the guidelines issued by the state health and family welfare department relating to Covid19 pandemic are being adhered to.

Further investigation into the offence will be made as per the laid down procedures of law, the police added.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]