Amid ongoing outrage over the contaminated water tragedy in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, a new controversy has surfaced on social media. The Indore Crime Branch has registered an FIR against a social media influencer from Uttar Pradesh for allegedly making indecent and offensive remarks against Shankar Lalwani, the Member of Parliament from Indore.
The case was registered following a complaint by Vishal Gidwani, a representative of the MP, after a video circulated widely on Instagram in the aftermath of the Bhagirathpura incident. According to police, the video contained objectionable language and personal allegations directed at the MP.
Crime Branch officials said the complaint was filed soon after the video began gaining traction online. Screenshots and video clips from the influencer’s Instagram account were submitted as evidence. After a preliminary inquiry, police registered a case under Sections 223 and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The accused has been identified as Jatin Mishra, also known as Jatin Shukla, a resident of Uttar Pradesh. Police stated that he operates two Instagram pages with a combined following of approximately 15,000 to 17,000 users and is known for creating political commentary content, often targeting public representatives and administrative issues.
In the video under scrutiny, the influencer reportedly referred to Indore as well as Gwalior and Mandsaur while narrating an alleged interaction involving the Indore MP in the context of the Bhagirathpura water crisis. Authorities stated that while criticism is permissible, certain portions of the video crossed into abusive and indecent language, prompting legal action.
Confirming the FIR, Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional DCP of the Indore Crime Branch, said that the case was registered based on the complaint and material provided, and that the investigation is ongoing. He added that further action would be taken strictly in accordance with facts and evidence.
Officials clarified that the action is not intended to suppress public opinion, but to curb the circulation of objectionable and misleading content, particularly during sensitive situations.
The development comes as Indore remains under close scrutiny following the Bhagirathpura tragedy, in which 32 deaths have been reported so far. The matter is currently under consideration by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which has ordered a judicial inquiry led by retired judge Sushil Kumar Gupta, with the report expected by March 5.
