The Nagpur Cyber Police have registered a case against four social media influencers, including a YouTuber from Bihar, for allegedly circulating misleading content on the Centre’s ethanol policy and 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.

 

According to the complaint, the influencers uploaded videos on YouTube and Instagram during the ongoing public debate over blending of 20 per cent ethanol with petrol. The videos allegedly promoted illegal and fraudulent practices involving ethanol in vehicles, explained methods to carry out fake transactions and encouraged activities that violate the law.

 

The complainant also alleged that the videos misrepresented the Government’s ethanol policy, falsely associated it with Nitin Gadkari and used misleading public interviews in an attempt to defame the Union Minister and create confusion among viewers. Police clarified that Gadkari has no direct connection with the alleged offence and that his name was only referred to in the videos. After a preliminary inquiry, Cyber Police said they found prima facie evidence of misleading and unlawful content being circulated online. Based on the findings, a case has been registered against the four influencers. Further investigation is underway.