Lakshadweep filmmaker Aisha Sulthana booked for sedition over 'biological weapons' comments

The Lakshadweep Police on Thursday booked filmmaker Aisha Sulthana on sedition charges following a complaint by a BJP leader that she spread false news about the spread of COVID-19 in the Union territory during a TV debate.

The complaint was filed by the BJP's Lakshadweep unit president Abdul Khader. Sulthana hails from Chetiath island in Lakshadweep.

According to the FIR lodged by the Kavaratti police, a case under sections 124A (sedition) and 153B (hate speech) of the Indian Penal code has been registered against the filmmaker.

In his complaint filed with the Kavaratti police on Wednesday, Khader said Sulthana, during a debate in a Malayalam TV channel, had alleged that the Central government used biological weapons for the spread of COVID-19 in Lakshadweep.

The BJP leader, in his complaint, has alleged that Sulthana's statement was an anti-national act, which tarnished the “patriotic image” of the Central government. He sought action against her.

Earlier in the day, the BJP staged a protest in the islands seeking action against the filmmaker.

A Lakshadweep-based model and actor, Aisha Sulthana has worked with several Malayalam filmmakers.

Lakshadweep has been witnessing protests by various political parties since the administration started implementing reform measures in the islands.