In a recent development, the Karnataka Police have registered an FIR against Amit Malviya, the BJP IT Cell national Convenor, following the publication of a purported “derogatory” video targeting Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders. The case has been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 505 (2) (promoting enmity, hatred, or ill-will between classes), and 34 (common intention).
The complaint was lodged by Ramesh Babu, a prominent state Congress leader, who accused Malviya of releasing an animated video that allegedly defamed Rahul Gandhi and claimed that the Congress party was involved in anti-national activities. The complaint further alleged that Malviya stated, “Rahul Gandhi is dangerous and playing an insidious game,” while also making disparaging remarks about other Congress members.
Responding to the FIR against Malviya, Priyank Kharge, a state minister, criticized the BJP for their reaction whenever they face legal consequences. He stated, “Whenever BJP bears the brunt of the law, they cry. They have a problem following the law of the land.” Kharge defended the filing of the FIR, asserting that it was done after seeking legal opinion and dismissed any suggestion of a mala fide intention behind the action.
The video in question was posted from Malviya’s official social media account on June 17. It purportedly portrayed the Congress party as engaging in activities detrimental to national interests, particularly when Rahul Gandhi travels abroad. The content of the video was deemed by the complainant and the state minister as defamatory and divisive.
Priyank Kharge also addressed the larger issue of combating misinformation and fake news, emphasizing the need to hold accountable individuals in responsible positions who propagate falsehoods. He vowed to strengthen the fact-checking mechanisms and take strict action against those who spread communal hatred or disturb peace through their posts.
The state minister further stated, “We had lodged a complaint under various IPC sections, and now Amit Malviya should come to Bengaluru and explain how Congress has indulged in anti-national activities. Otherwise, he will have to apologize and provide a written assurance that he will refrain from making such baseless charges in the future.”
The Chenab Times News Desk