The Lucknow Police on Saturday took a significant step in a high-profile case involving a popular folk singer. Officers recorded the formal statement of Bhojpuri singer and activist Neha Singh Rathore. This action is connected to a case where she faces allegations of making objectionable comments on social media regarding a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The Case Background and Registration
The legal proceedings against Rathore were initiated at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow in April of the previous year, 2023. The singer, renowned for her politically themed Bhojpuri ballads, found herself under scrutiny after her activity on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vikas Kumar Jaiswal confirmed that Rathore was officially summoned to provide her account of events. She complied, arriving at the police station in the evening, where her statement was documented before she departed.
Nature of the Allegations
The core of the accusation stems from videos and statements Rathore allegedly shared online. In these posts, she is said to have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of victims in the Pahalgam terror attack. This incident, which occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, saw terrorists reportedly target and kill 26 individuals, predominantly tourists, after checking their religious affiliations. The complaint that sparked the case was filed by a local resident, Abhay Pratap Singh.
Singh's complaint argued that Rathore's social media content had the potential to "promote sectarian animosity" and endanger the nation's sovereignty, unity, and integrity. He emphasized that such posts could severely damage public harmony and national cohesion. Based on these allegations, the police registered a formal case against Neha Rathore. The charges were filed under multiple relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India's new penal code.
Legal Process and Next Steps
The recording of Rathore's statement marks a pivotal phase in the ongoing investigation. It allows the police to formally incorporate her version of events into the official record. This procedure is a standard part of the investigative process following the registration of a First Information Report (FIR). The authorities will now analyze her statement alongside the existing evidence, which includes the complained-about social media posts and the original complaint. The next legal steps will depend on the findings of this investigation, potentially leading to further questioning, the filing of a chargesheet, or other judicial proceedings.
The case highlights the increasing legal scrutiny applied to statements made on digital platforms, especially those touching upon sensitive national security incidents and communal harmony. It also brings into focus the intersection of celebrity, political commentary, and legal accountability in the age of social media.
