Maharashtra’s cyber police have registered a case against popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee following allegations involving a parody account that reportedly spread false information about Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s daughter, a senior official confirmed on Saturday, reported PTI.
According to state cyber authorities, an account using the handle @dhruvrahtee on platform X falsely claimed that Birla’s daughter had cleared the UPSC exam without appearing for it. The bio of this account explicitly stated, “This is a fan and parody account and not affiliated with the original account of @dhruv_rathee. Not impersonating anyone. This account is Parody.”
Acting on a complaint lodged by a relative of Birla, police have charged the YouTuber under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for defamation, intentional insult aimed at provoking breach of peace, and spreading misleading statements, in addition to relevant provisions of the IT Act, the official noted.
When queried about the parody nature of the account and its distinction from Rathee’s genuine profile, the official responded, “We are currently investigating the matter.” Subsequently, the parody account issued a tweet acknowledging, “As instructed by @MahaCyber1, I have removed all my posts and comments concerning Anjali Birla. I apologize for my actions as I was unaware of the facts and had shared content from another source.”
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the spread of misinformation and the legal implications surrounding social media and digital platforms.