Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari Files Police Complaint Over Fake Facebook Account Impersonation
An FIR was officially registered on Thursday following a formal police complaint submitted by North-East Delhi Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari. The complaint alleges that an unidentified individual or group created and operated a fraudulent Facebook account using his name, photographs, and videos to disseminate misleading and false content across social media platforms.
Details of the Cyber Police Complaint
According to the FIR registered at the Cyber Police Station in New Delhi district, the complaint was formally received on January 22. The legal action originated from a written representation submitted by Tiwari, who serves as a Lok Sabha MP representing North-East Delhi, urgently requesting immediate intervention against a fake Facebook profile operating under the name “Monoj Tiwari BJP”.
In his detailed complaint, Tiwari explicitly stated that the Facebook account had absolutely no connection with him personally and was being operated entirely without his knowledge or permission. He alleged that unknown persons had fraudulently misused his name, public image, photographs, and video content to circulate misleading messages not only on social media but also within society at large.
Legal Implications and Police Investigation
The FIR document stated that the alleged impersonation constituted unauthorized and improper use of Tiwari’s identity and his official position as a public representative. The complaint described this act as particularly serious and objectionable, emphasizing that such misuse had the clear potential to mislead the general public and cause significant damage to his personal and political reputation.
Police authorities confirmed that after thoroughly examining the contents of the complaint, a prima facie offence was established under Section 66C of the Information Technology Act, which specifically deals with identity theft, and Section 356(3) (Defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Social Media Platform Response
When attempts were made to access the Facebook link cited in the FIR, the specific post was no longer visible within India. A notice displayed on the page indicated that the content had been restricted following a legal request from I4C–Delhi Law Enforcement authorities.
Police officials have stated that further investigation is currently underway to identify and take appropriate legal action against the person or persons responsible for operating the fake social media account. The case highlights growing concerns about digital impersonation and identity theft targeting public figures in India.
