BHADOHI, Uttar Pradesh – Police in Bhadohi district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified individuals for allegedly disseminating misleading information on social media regarding the convoy size of State Minister A.K. Sharma during his recent visit to the area. Officials confirmed the registration of the case on Tuesday at the Gyanpur Kotwali police station.
The FIR was filed based on a complaint by Harikesh, a local Lekhpal (revenue official). The complaint pertains to social media posts that claimed Minister Sharma’s convoy consisted of 27 vehicles during his visit to Bhadohi. The case has been registered under Section 356 (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.
According to Superintendent of Police Abhinav Tyagi, the social media posts, circulated under the title “Baat Khari Hai” (It’s true), specifically alleged that the Uttar Pradesh energy and Urban Development Minister, who also serves as the in-charge minister for Bhadohi district, was accompanied by a 27-vehicle convoy.
Minister Sharma had visited Bhadohi on May 15 to review the aftermath of storm and rain-related incidents that resulted in 16 fatalities and several injuries in the district. During his visit, he assessed the damage and distributed compensation cheques to the families of the deceased at the revenue guest house.
SP Tyagi clarified that the minister was, in fact, accompanied by only three vehicles during this visit. Police stated that the social media posts were allegedly intended to tarnish the image of the government and administration and to mislead the public.
This incident occurs within a broader context of austerity measures being promoted nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens and officials to reduce fuel consumption and unnecessary expenses. In line with this appeal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had previously directed a 50% reduction in the convoy sizes of ministers and government officials, encouraging them to adopt a culture of austerity and energy conservation. The Chief Minister himself had recently arrived at an event in Gorakhpur with a convoy of only five vehicles, a significant reduction from the usual protocol.
The police have initiated a detailed investigation into the matter, with SHO Anjani Kumar Rai tasked with conducting the probe. Authorities aim to identify the individuals responsible for spreading the alleged misinformation on various social media platforms.
The Chenab Times News Desk