FIR against four content creators over post targeting Nitin Gadkari on ethanol blended petrol
The complaint stated that Kashyap, who joined the Jan Suraaj Party last year after quitting BJP, uploaded a YouTube video on July 3 that allegedly contained 'misinformation' with an objective of fueling public misunderstanding about E20 fuel and sabotaging Gadkari's reputation.
PTC News Desk: A case has been registered in Nagpur against four social media influencers, including renowned YouTuber-politician Manish Kashyap, for allegedly spreading false and defamatory content targeting Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari amid the ongoing debate over ethanol-blended petrol (E20).
The complaint stated that Kashyap, who joined the Jan Suraaj Party last year after quitting BJP, uploaded a YouTube video on July 3 that allegedly contained 'misinformation' with an objective of fueling public misunderstanding about E20 fuel and sabotaging Gadkari's reputation.
The complaint was filed by Shishir Tripathi, city president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Social Media Cell. Police have invoked Sections 356, 352 and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.
Tripathi in his complaint also alleged that other three accused influencers used derogatory remarks against the Union minister in their videos related to ethanol-blended petrol with an intent to disturb public order.
The FIR comes amid growing public speculation and commotion over the Centre's push for E20 fuel, a blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
Nitin Gadkari has emerged as one of the biggest advocate of ethanol blending deeming it as a significant step towards reducing dependence on imported crude oil.
The E20 fuel policy has drawn criticism from some motorists, automobile enthusiasts and social media influencers, who claim that the higher ethanol blend may reduce fuel efficiency and affect the performance of older vehicles that are not designed to run on E20 fuel.
The government, however, has consistently said that E20 fuel is safe for compatible vehicles and is an important step in India's efforts to reduce fuel imports and promote cleaner energy.
According to the complaint filed with the Nagpur police, the allegations against YouTuber Gaurav Kashyap and several other influencers are linked to content they posted as part of the ongoing debate over the E20 fuel policy.