An FIR has been registered against BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, over her social media posts concerning the Gandhi family. The case was registered on Friday, November 13, following a complaint alleging that her remarks contained inflammatory insinuations and could disturb public peace.
Complaint Filed by Shimla Resident
According to police, the complaint was filed by retired Captain Atul Sharma, a resident of Shimla. He approached Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police Ashok Tewari, seeking legal action against Ranaut over posts shared through her verified social media account on November 10.
The complainant objected to remarks concerning the deaths of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, her son Sanjay Gandhi and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He alleged that the posts made insinuations connecting these deaths with the subsequent political rise of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi.
References to Sonia and Maneka Gandhi
The complaint also raised objections to the description of Sonia Gandhi as a “mysterious foreign national”. Sharma alleged that the posts presented a misleading narrative about the Gandhi family and referred to the circumstances surrounding Maneka Gandhi’s departure from the family residence following Sanjay Gandhi’s death.
He argued that the remarks went beyond political criticism and could create public hostility, disturb communal harmony and affect public tranquillity. He also requested a cyber-forensic examination of the posts to establish their authenticity and context.
Police Begin Investigation
The FIR has been registered under Sections 196(1)(b), 353(2) and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to promoting enmity, statements conducing to public mischief and defamation.
Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed the registration of the FIR and said that an investigation would follow. Police are examining the allegations and collecting relevant evidence. No conclusion has been reached regarding the allegations against the BJP MP.