PR firms give fake social media followers to celebs, says Anil Deshmukh; warns of strict action

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Several PR agencies provide “fake” social media followers to Bollywood celebrities or other “big people” and such followers are used for trolling and data theft, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Friday. The Maharashtra police will probe into the matter, he said.

Anil Deshmukh said that if the allegations levelled by Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale against some Bollywood actors who have performed in shows organised by US-based Pakistani event manager Rehan Siddiqui, were found to be true then strict action would be taken.

“We will get the information regarding the letter written by Rahul Shewale. If it is true, then, it is objectionable. Maharashtra Police will look into the matter and appropriate action will be taken. Nobody will be spared,” Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh told media.

Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale has alleged that some Bollywood actors have performed in shows organised Siddiqui, who “is connected with ISI” and has sought an inquiry.

Shewale said he had earlier written a letter to Home Ministry in this regard and demanded that the Bollywood actors who performed in events organised by Siddiqui should face an inquiry by Enforcement Directorate (ED) and National Investigation Agency (NIA).

“Three years ago, residents of Houston had informed me that Rehan Siddiqui, who organises shows in the US, is connected with ISI, spreads anti-India propaganda, is funding anti-India activities and Bollywood stars are performing on his show,” Shewale said.

The MP said he informed the Home Minister about the issue and Siddiqui, along with Rakesh Kaushal and Darshan Mehta, were blacklisted on the recommendations of the Consulate General of India.

“I have demanded that those Bollywood stars who performed in shows by Rehan Siddique should face an inquiry by ED and NIA. I believe that the Central government will take action in the matter,” the Shiv Sena MP said.

Shewale had written to the Home Ministry to refrain Indian artists from performing in concerts organised by a promoter accused of serious crimes like money laundering and human trafficking.

A release by Shewale earlier this month said Siddiqui’s radio station in Texas is funded by local Pakistanis and the Pakistan government and he is accused of serious crimes such as money laundering and human trafficking.

Shewale had also said that that the Embassy of India in Washington DC and the Consulate General of India in Houston have also been requested to engage with bonafide ‘Bollywood Affiliated’ local entities to ensure that appropriate message is conveyed to Indian actors and artists so that they disassociate themselves from anti-national elements.

BJP Vice-President Baijayant Jay Panda had said in a tweet on Wednesday that he had come across shocking threads documenting personal and business links of some Bollywood personalities with certain Pakistanis & NRIs with undeniable track record encouraging violence in Jammu & Kashmir, who have verifiable links to ISI and the Pakistan army. “I urge patriotic Bollywoodies to renounce them,” Panda had said.