Cybercrime – Hyderabad Police Register Case Over Alleged Objectionable Posts Targeting PM Modi
Cybercrime –Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have launched an investigation into alleged objectionable social media content linked to the recent NEET paper leak protests, registering cases against multiple Facebook and Instagram account operators as well as Meta India’s head following a complaint claiming that morphed material targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi was circulated online.
Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have initiated legal proceedings after receiving allegations that several social media accounts shared edited and objectionable posts related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during demonstrations connected to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation over the NEET paper leak issue. Authorities have also named the India head of Meta in connection with the complaint, which seeks accountability over content allegedly hosted on the company’s platforms.
Complaint Filed by BJP Telangana Social Media Member
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complaint was submitted on the evening of July 29 by T. Saikiran Goud, a 32-year-old Social Media CC Member of BJP Telangana. Goud, who resides at Dr. S.P. Mookerjee Bhavan opposite Exhibition Ground in Hyderabad’s Nampally area, informed police that he had encountered several reels and posts while browsing social media earlier that afternoon.
The complainant alleged that the content contained derogatory references to the Prime Minister and included digitally altered visuals. He further claimed that the material appeared to encourage narratives that could be viewed as harmful to national unity and public order.
Multiple Social Media Links Submitted for Investigation
In his submission, Goud reportedly provided investigators with 20 URLs linked to Facebook and Instagram posts and reels. He requested that cybercrime officials examine the content thoroughly to determine whether any laws had been violated.
The complaint also alleged that the posts had the potential to spread misinformation, provoke hostility among communities, and undermine national security. On these grounds, the complainant urged authorities to identify the individuals responsible for operating the social media accounts involved.
Call for Preservation of Digital Evidence
The complaint further requested that investigators preserve all relevant electronic evidence before it could be removed or altered. Goud also asked police to coordinate with Meta Platforms to obtain details associated with the accounts under scrutiny.
In addition, the complaint sought action against Meta, alleging that the company had allowed the disputed content to remain accessible on its platforms. Investigators are expected to examine whether any obligations under applicable information technology laws were breached.
Police Register Case Under IT Act and BNS
Acting on the complaint, Assistant Sub-Inspector K. Hari Ram registered a case at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Hyderabad. The FIR cites Sections 66(C) and 67 of the Information Technology Act, along with Sections 353(2) and 336(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Officials have not announced any arrests in the matter so far. The registration of the case marks the beginning of the legal process, with investigators expected to review the digital content, gather technical evidence, and determine whether the allegations are supported by the available material.
Investigation Assigned to Cybercrime Inspector
Police have assigned the investigation to Inspector P. Jayashankar, who will oversee the inquiry. As part of the probe, investigators are likely to examine the authenticity of the disputed posts, trace the administrators of the identified accounts, and seek information from the relevant social media platforms where necessary.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the progress of the investigation. Further action will depend on the findings of the cybercrime team and any evidence collected during the course of the inquiry.