Gujarat Influencer Arrested Over 'Objectionable' Instagram Reel On Mahatma Gandhi With Rs 500 Note

The Surat Cyber Crime Branch arrested a Gujarat-based social media influencer with nearly one million followers for allegedly posting an objectionable Instagram reel involving Mahatma Gandhi on a Rs 500 currency note.

The accused has been identified as 47-year-old Simran Patel, a homemaker and a resident of Surat's Adajan area. She was held under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, which strictly prohibits "publishing, transmitting, or causing the publication or transmission of obscene material in electronic form."

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Why Was Simran Patel Arrested?

According to the police, Patel uploaded a reel on her Instagram account on October 1, a day before Gandhi Jayanti. The video showed an image of Mahatma Gandhi on the Rs 500 currency note in a vulgar manner, accompanied by "objectionable and insulting statements and gestures with a sexual reference."

The matter was brought to the police's attention by Dharmesh Gami, head of the Gau Raksha Manch (cow protection platform) organisation, India Today reported.

"We felt that making such an insulting video was not appropriate. So we lodged a complaint with the cyber police and got a case registered," Gami was quoted as saying.

Advisory For Social Media Users

Following the arrest, authorities urged the public not to spread rumours or circulate unverified material through social media, advising citizens to inform authorities if they come across fake or offensive posts.

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Police cautioned social media users against "creating or sharing obscene, objectionable, or insulting content involving national figures, religious, or social symbols," reiterating that "such activities are illegal and can invite legal action."

(With Inputs From PTI)