Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee has found himself entangled in a legal controversy, as the cyber wing of Maharashtra Police has initiated proceedings against him following accusations linked to a parody account associated with him. This account allegedly disseminated misleading information regarding Anjali Birla, the daughter of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act, Rathee has been charged with defamation, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, and circulating misleading statements. The contentious post, attributed to the handle @dhruvrahtee, asserted that Anjali Birla had purportedly cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams without actually sitting for them. The message went on to claim that such an achievement was due to her familial connections, suggesting she is a model professionally. It also criticized the Modi government for allegedly undermining the integrity of India's education system.
Crucially, the bio of @dhruvrahtee explicitly identified itself as a parody account and clarified that it was not affiliated with Dhruv Rathee's official account. Despite this disclaimer, law enforcement officials have proceeded with their investigation into the matter.
Responding to the unfolding situation, the police stated they were actively looking into the incident following reports filed by concerned parties, as reported by PTI. Meanwhile, the same @dhruvrahtee handle issued an apology on a subsequent post, acknowledging the earlier dissemination of incorrect information. The apology assured compliance with directives from @MahaCyber1 to remove all posts and comments related to Anjali Birla. It further admitted to inadvertently replicating and sharing tweets from others without verifying the accuracy of the content.
This sequence of events has underscored the complexities surrounding social media, where the line between parody, misinformation, and legitimate discourse can often blur. The incident has also sparked debates on the responsibilities and liabilities associated with social media accounts that operate under pseudonyms or in parody capacities.
Dhruv Rathee, known for his critical commentary and analysis on various social and political issues through his legitimate online platforms, has not issued a formal statement regarding the controversy surrounding the parody account. However, his association with the @dhruvrahtee handle has drawn significant attention, prompting discussions on the potential repercussions of such associations.
Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before its dissemination, particularly in the context of sensitive issues involving public figures. They noted that while social media offers a powerful platform for expression and critique, it also necessitates adherence to legal and ethical standards to prevent the spread of misinformation and the potential harm it can cause.
The Maharashtra Police's cyber wing continues to investigate the incident, focusing on establishing the origin and motivations behind the misleading posts attributed to the @dhruvrahtee handle. Authorities have underscored their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that appropriate action is taken based on their findings.
As the situation develops, stakeholders from various sectors, including media watchdogs and digital rights advocates, are closely monitoring the case for its implications on online behavior and accountability. The outcome of this investigation could potentially set precedents for handling similar incidents involving parody accounts and the dissemination of misinformation in the digital realm.
“India is the only country where you can clear UPSC without sitting in the examination. But for that, you have to be born as a daughter of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Om Birla's daughter Anjali Birla cleared UPSC without giving any examination, she is a model by profession. Modi govt is making a mockery of our education system,” the message read.”
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