Neha Singh Rathore, a popular folk singer and political satirist, has been booked by the Varanasi police for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a recent satire song video.
The FIR was registered at Sigra Police Station after a complaint by Dr. Saurabh Maurya, president of the social group Sadhana Foundation. The complaint states that Rathore called the Prime Minister “coward” and “General Dyer” in her video. It also claims that the video was shown on Pakistani media channels, which Dr. Maurya says harms India’s image abroad.
The FIR cites sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) related to acts that threaten national unity and public order: Sections 197(1)(a), 197(1)(d), and 353(2).
This case has sparked a debate on freedom of expression. Supporters say Rathore has the right to use satire to express her views, while critics believe her language went beyond criticism into insult. With national elections coming up, the case is expected to attract wide attention.
Neha Singh Rathore is well-known online, with over 870,000 YouTube subscribers, nearly 150,000 Twitter followers, and around 69,000 followers on Instagram. She sings in Bhojpuri and is famous for her songs addressing political and social issues.
