FIR Filed Against Four Social Media Influencers Over Misinformation Posts on Gadkari, Ethanol and E20 Fuel
FIR Filed Against Four Social Media Influencers Over Misinformation Posts on Gadkari, Ethanol and E20 Fuel
FIR registered after complaint alleging misleading videos on ethanol-blended petrol falsely linked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to the Centre’s E20 policy.
Nagpur Cyber Police have registered an FIR against four social media influencers for allegedly circulating misleading content about the Centre’s ethanol-blended petrol policy and falsely linking Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to the controversy. The case was registered following a complaint filed by the BJP’s Nagpur Social Media Cell.
According to the police complaint, the accused allegedly uploaded videos on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram during the ongoing public debate over E20 petrol. Investigators claim the videos contained misleading information about the government’s ethanol blending programme, promoted unlawful practices involving ethanol use in vehicles and falsely associated Gadkari with the policy in a manner that could mislead viewers.
The four influencers named in the FIR are Manish Kashyap, Desi Boyser, Harshit Rathi and Anklesh Invate. Police said a preliminary inquiry found prima facie evidence suggesting that misleading and unlawful content had been circulated online, following which the case was registered. The investigation is continuing.
Officials also clarified that Nitin Gadkari has no direct connection with the alleged offence. According to the complaint, his name appeared only in the disputed social media content circulated by the accused.
The FIR comes amid a wider national debate over the mandatory rollout of E20 petrol, a fuel containing 20% ethanol blended with petrol. The government has defended the policy, saying it aims to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions and support domestic biofuel production. However, the policy has also sparked public discussions over vehicle compatibility and fuel efficiency, making the issue a frequent subject of online content and social media debate.
Cyber experts say misinformation related to public policy can spread rapidly on digital platforms, particularly when complex technical issues are simplified or presented without proper context. Authorities have repeatedly urged content creators and social media users to verify facts before sharing information, especially on issues that affect public safety or government policy.
Key takeaway:
The FIR is related to the alleged circulation of misleading social media content. Police have clarified that Nitin Gadkari is not an accused in the case, and the investigation is focused on whether false or unlawful information about the E20 policy was deliberately spread online.
