BJP Complaint Leads to Cyber Police Action
Nagpur Cyber Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against YouTuber Manish Kashyap and three social media influencers over allegations that they circulated misleading and defamatory content targeting Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari during the ongoing debate over E20 ethanol-blended petrol.
The case was initiated after a complaint was submitted by Shishir Tripathi, the city president of the BJP’s Social Media Cell, who alleged that the online content was intended to spread misinformation and damage the minister’s reputation.
Four Social Media Accounts Named in FIR
Besides Manish Kashyap, the FIR also names the Instagram account Desi Boys (desi_boysncr) and influencers Harshit Rathi and Anklesh Invate.
According to the complaint, a video uploaded on YouTube allegedly contained false and misleading claims regarding Nitin Gadkari and the government’s E20 fuel policy. The complainant further alleged that the remaining accused shared videos and posts containing objectionable language and manipulated content related to the issue.
Police are investigating whether the material violated provisions related to defamation, misinformation and public order.
Case Registered Under BNS and IT Act
The Cyber Police have booked the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 356, 352 and 296, along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.
The complaint also alleges that certain social media posts featured edited videos and images alongside offensive language directed at the Union minister.
Officials have not yet announced any arrests, and further investigation into the digital content is underway.
E20 Fuel Policy at the Centre of Debate
The controversy revolves around the Centre’s promotion of E20 petrol, a fuel blend containing up to 20% ethanol. The government has been encouraging its adoption to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, cut carbon emissions and increase the use of domestically produced ethanol.
In recent years, automobile manufacturers have also introduced vehicles designed to operate on E20-compatible fuel as part of the government’s phased rollout of the policy.
1. Why has an FIR been registered against Manish Kashyap?
The FIR alleges that Manish Kashyap and three other influencers shared false, misleading and defamatory content related to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the E20 fuel policy.
2. Who filed the complaint?
The complaint was lodged by Shishir Tripathi, the city chief of the BJP Social Media Cell, at the Nagpur City Cyber Police Station.
3. Which other influencers have been named in the FIR?
Apart from Manish Kashyap, the FIR names Instagram account Desi Boys (desi_boysncr) and influencers Harshit Rathi and Anklesh Invate.
4. Which laws have been invoked in the case?
The case has been registered under Sections 356, 352 and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.
5. What is E20 petrol?
E20 petrol is a fuel containing up to 20% ethanol blended with petrol. The government is promoting it to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions and support India’s ethanol production.
