Cybercrime Police in Hyderabad, Telangana, have registered two cases against the operators of several Facebook and Instagram accounts, as well as Meta India’s head, over the alleged circulation of morphed and objectionable content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led NEET paper leak agitation.
The cases were registered following complaints by BJP supporters, who alleged that manipulated videos and images of the Prime Minister were being shared on social media.
Police have invoked relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, naming the operators of the identified social media accounts and Meta India’s head as co-accused.
Police issue notice to Meta
Cybercrime Police said they have issued a notice to Meta regarding the registered cases and the social media links flagged by the complainants.
Officials said efforts are underway to collect details of the accused, identify the account operators and make arrests.
BJP supporter submits 20 social media links
One of the complainants, T Saikiran Goud, a member of the Telangana BJP’s social media core committee, submitted 20 Facebook and Instagram links to the police on Wednesday night and sought action against Meta for hosting the content.
In his complaint, Goud said the posts were derogatory towards the Prime Minister and appeared to promote narratives that could affect the country’s sovereignty, integrity and public order. He urged police to identify those operating the accounts and take legal action.
Second complaint alleges obscene content
In a separate complaint, S Aravind Reddy, a BJP supporter from Nampally, alleged that several Instagram accounts had shared obscene, morphed and digitally manipulated videos and images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
He claimed the content was misleading and had the potential to mislead the public.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and is focused on identifying those behind the social media accounts and examining the content flagged in the complaints.
Zero FIR filed against woman over alleged remarks against PM
A Zero FIR has been registered against a woman in Noida for allegedly making abusive and objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
The case was registered at the Expressway Police Station based on a complaint filed by Smriti Singh, a resident of Ghaziabad, against Ruchika Singh, a resident of Sector 168, Noida.
Case registered under BNS provisions
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly used indecent and objectionable language against the Prime Minister during the protest held on 23 July.
The complaint claims that the remarks undermined the dignity of a constitutional office and attempted to spread hatred and disturb public peace.
Police have registered a case under Sections 352 (inciting breach of peace), 353(1) (statements causing public nuisance), and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
What is a Zero FIR?
Normally, an FIR is registered at the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where the alleged offence took place.
However, under a Zero FIR, a complaint can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the incident occurred. The FIR is then transferred to the police station with the appropriate jurisdiction for further investigation.
