The Nagpur Cyber Police have registered a case against four social media influencers for allegedly spreading misleading information about the Centre’s ethanol-blending programme and falsely linking it to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The accused have been identified as Manish Kashyap, Desi Boyser, Harshit Rathi and Anklesh Invate.
The case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Shishir Arun Tripathi (38), head of the Nagpur BJP Social Media Cell.
Allegations in the Complaint
According to the complaint, the influencers uploaded videos on YouTube and Instagram during the ongoing public debate over 20% ethanol-blended (E20) petrol.
The complaint alleges that the videos promoted illegal and fraudulent practices involving ethanol use in vehicles, explained methods for carrying out fake transactions, and encouraged activities that violate the law.
It further alleges that the videos misrepresented the Central government’s ethanol policy, falsely associated it with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and used misleading public interviews to defame him and create confusion among viewers.
Police Launch Investigation
Following a preliminary inquiry, the Nagpur Cyber Police said they found prima facie evidence of misleading and unlawful content being circulated on social media.
Based on these findings, an FIR has been registered against the four influencers, and further investigation is underway.
Police also clarified that Nitin Gadkari has no direct connection with the alleged offence, and that his name appeared only in the content circulated by the accused, according to the complaint.
