FIR Filed Against Social Media Influencers for Allegedly Defaming Nitin Gadkari Over E20 Fuel Controversy

The Nagpur Cyber Police have initiated legal action against several social media content creators, accusing them of engaging in a defamatory online campaign against Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who oversees the Road Transport and Highways portfolio. This development follows a vigorous online discourse surrounding the government’s E20 fuel initiative, which has sparked concerns among vehicle owners regarding its impact on vehicle performance.

According to reports, the complaint was lodged by Shishir Arun Tripathi, the Convener of the BJP’s Nagpur City Social Media Cell. He claims that a YouTube video by content creator Manish Kashyap, uploaded on July 3, 2026, makes various false and misleading statements about Gadkari and the E20 fuel, which consists of 20% ethanol. The allegations suggest that the content creators aimed to intentionally mislead the public regarding the fuel’s effectiveness and its implications for vehicle mileage and safety.

In addition to Kashyap, other influencers named in the FIR include Desi Boys NCR, Harshit Rathi, and Anklesh Invate. The FIR cites multiple legal provisions, including Sections 356, 352, and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, as well as Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deals with the dissemination of obscene or defamatory material.

The backlash against the E20 fuel has been significant, with numerous vehicle owners claiming that the new variant compromises fuel efficiency and damages engine components. Critics have voiced their concerns on various platforms, leading to a heated debate that has drawn attention to the government’s fuel policies. In response to the FIR, Rohit Kumar, the individual behind the Delhi Boys NCR social media page, took to Instagram to express his regret for the use of “inappropriate” language in his posts. He, however, maintained that the financial strain on individuals earning approximately Rs 15,000 per month should not be overlooked, hinting at broader public discontent surrounding the new fuel policy.

This incident highlights the increasing tension between social media expression and government accountability, especially in the context of new and potentially controversial policies like E20 fuel. As the discourse continues, the implications for content creators and their freedom of expression remain to be seen, particularly in an era where social media serves as a primary platform for public engagement and debate.

Source: scroll.in