Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A disturbing trend is emerging across Madhya Pradesh, with new-generation gangsters, history-sheeters and even petty criminals using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to assert dominance, threaten rivals and influence impressionable youth.
From posting videos while wielding firearms to issuing open threats online, these criminals are using digital platforms not only to glorify crime but also to instill fear and build cult-like following. Many have thousands of followers, including teenagers and young boys, who are drawn to the carefully crafted, gangster-style imagery.
In some cases, accused criminals have also used social media to claim innocence in serious crimes.
Among the most followed is notorious criminal Zuber Maulana, whose Instagram following has crossed 35,000. Zuber runs multiple social accounts, regularly posting videos with his gang members.
Naseem Banne Khan, recently arrested for murder of a rival gang member, operated two Instagram accounts and previously posted images brandishing firearms. Arshad Babba, a history-sheeter from Tila Jamalpura, posts stylish photos with supporters on Instagram.
In another show of power, Yaseen Malik, son of gangster Mukhtar Malik, returned home in a convoy of vehicles after his release from jail. His supporters burst firecrackers and uploaded videos of the celebration online.
Govind Sharma of Ratibadh posted a video of himself beating up a rival in October 2022, while Subhash Nagar's Shubham Banjara once uploaded a video firing shots in the air. He idolises slain Ujjain gangster Durlabh Kashyap.In 2023, Danish Maya of Karond posted a video loading cartridges into a gun. He was arrested soon after and told police he did it to scare his enemies.
Police said they are keeping a close watch. “We monitor social media accounts of such people and take necessary action. Their followers and supporters are also under scanner,” said Additional DCP (Crime) Shailendra Singh Chauhan.
Claiming innocenceon social media
Bunty Sahu, accused in a 2017 double murder, used social media to deny charges. In March 2023, Salman MIG of Nishatpura uploaded a video declaring innocence in a murder case despite a reward on his head.
