Police in the state capital have taken legal action against a user of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for allegedly sharing a contentious post aimed at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. An official First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Hazratganj Kotwali police station in Lucknow, marking a significant step in addressing what authorities deem a malicious online campaign.
Complaint Details and Allegations
The case was initiated based on a formal complaint lodged by Rajkumar Tiwari, a resident of Banarasi Bagh in the Narahi area. In his complaint, Tiwari, son of Munna Lal Tiwari, stated that he encountered the controversial post on a mobile phone within his locality. The post was attributed to the handle @kamaalrkhan (KRK).
According to the FIR, the post contained what the complainant described as objectionable and misleading remarks directed at the Chief Minister. The core of the controversy revolves around a fabricated image that was part of the post.
The Fabricated News Screenshot
The contentious post featured a photograph of CM Yogi Adityanath alongside a fake screenshot designed to look like a report from a reputed national newspaper. This doctored image attempted to propagate a specific political narrative, suggesting that a government could be formed in Uttar Pradesh even without securing support from key voter demographics such as Muslims, Dalits, and Yadavs.
Rajkumar Tiwari strongly asserted in his complaint that the screenshot was completely false and forged. He alleged that it was intentionally circulated with the motive of creating a divisive and malicious narrative, thereby tarnishing the reputation of both the Chief Minister and the state government. The complainant emphasized that the post had sparked considerable outrage within the Hindu community, labeling the act as highly condemnable.
Police Action and Next Steps
Supporting his application, Tiwari submitted a photocopy of the controversial X post as evidence. Confirming the development, Station House Officer (SHO) of Hazratganj, Vikram Singh, stated, "An FIR has been registered." The registration of the FIR sets the stage for a formal police investigation into the matter under relevant sections of the law, which could pertain to defamation, promoting enmity, and forgery among other charges.
This incident highlights the increasing vigilance of authorities and citizens alike against the spread of misinformation and targeted content on social media platforms, especially when it involves high-ranking public officials and attempts to influence communal harmony.
