Himachal Pradesh Police have registered an FIR against Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut over her social media posts concerning the Gandhi family. Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed that the case was registered on Friday, November 13, following a complaint by Shimla resident Captain Atul Sharma.
The complaint relates to posts published on Ranaut’s verified social media account on November 10. The complainant alleged that the posts contained objectionable insinuations about the deaths of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, Congress leader Sanjay Gandhi and remarks about Sonia Gandhi.
Which legal sections have been invoked?
The FIR was registered at Boileauganj police station under Sections 196, 353 and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, according to reports quoting Shimla Police.
- Section 196: Promoting enmity between different groups and acts prejudicial to harmony.
- Section 353: Statements and circulation of information that may cause public mischief or alarm, as applicable to the alleged conduct.
- Section 356: Defamation.
What does the complainant allege?
Captain Atul Sharma sought a cyber-forensic examination of the posts and the archival video referenced in them. He alleged that the content could create misleading impressions and disturb public tranquillity. These are allegations contained in a complaint and have not been established by a court.
Police investigation underway
Shimla SP Gaurav Singh said an investigation was underway and evidence was being collected. The registration of an FIR does not amount to a finding of guilt. The matter will proceed according to the investigation and legal process.
