Case filed against 4 influencers over videos targeting Nitin Gadkari for E20

The FIR was filed on the basis of a complaint lodged by a BJP Social Media Cell functionary in Nagpur. According to the complaint, a YouTube video uploaded by Manish Kashyap contained misinformation meant to tarnish the minister's reputation.

In Short

• Manish Kashyap among four influencers named in Nagpur FIR
• Complaint alleges misinformation campaign targeting Nitin Gadkari
• Case linked to growing controversy over Centre's E20 push

A first information report (FIR) has been registered in Nagpur against four social media influencers, including renowned YouTuber-politician Manish Kashyap, for allegedly spreading false and defamatory content targeting Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari amid the ongoing debate over ethanol-blended petrol (E20).

The case was filed at the Nagpur City Cyber Police Station based on a complaint lodged by Shishir Tripathi, city president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Social Media Cell. Besides Kashyap, the FIR names Instagram account Desi Boys (desi_boysncr) and influencers Harshit Rathi and Ankleash Invatee.

According to the complaint, a YouTube video uploaded on July 3 by Kashyap, who joined the Jan Suraaj Party last year after quitting the BJP, allegedly contained "misinformation" aimed at creating public misunderstanding about E20 fuel and damaging Gadkari's reputation.

Tripathi further alleged that the other three accused used abusive language against the Union minister in videos related to ethanol-blended fuel, with the intent to spread false information, disturb public order and defame him.

Police have invoked Sections 356, 352 and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.

The FIR comes amid growing public debate over the Centre's push for E20 fuel, a blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.

Gadkari has emerged as the government's most prominent advocate of ethanol blending, describing it as a key step towards reducing India's dependence on imported crude oil, cutting emissions and increasing income opportunities for farmers through higher demand for crops such as sugarcane.

However, the policy has also faced criticism from some motorists, automobile enthusiasts and social media influencers, who claim that E20 fuel could reduce fuel efficiency and adversely affect older vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends.

The government has repeatedly maintained that E20 fuel is safe for compatible vehicles and is a critical part of India's broader energy-transition strategy.

The allegations against Kashyap and the other influencers stem from content related to this ongoing debate, according to the complaint filed with the Nagpur police.

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