Hyderabad Police Book Meta India Chief, Instagram Accounts Over Morphed PM Modi Posts
The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have registered two cases against the operators of several Facebook and Instagram accounts, as well as Meta’s India head, over the alleged circulation of morphed and objectionable content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The cases were filed in connection with protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a student-led movement that concluded earlier this month.
According to police officials, the complaints were lodged by supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who alleged that edited images and videos of the Prime Minister were shared widely on social media platforms. The material is said to have been uploaded during the CJP’s nationwide demonstrations, which were primarily focused on demanding action against the alleged leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper.
The Cybercrime Police have named the administrators of the social media accounts and the India head of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as accused in the cases. The exact legal provisions under which the cases have been registered have not been disclosed yet. However, similar cases typically involve sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act relating to defamation, criminal intimidation, and the transmission of obscene or fraudulent content.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions in Telangana, where the Congress party is currently in power. The state has witnessed multiple protests by student groups over the NEET paper leak controversy, which also sparked demonstrations in several other parts of the country. The CJP, known for its satirical and provocative style, has been critical of the central government’s handling of the examination process.
Neither Meta nor the India head has issued a public statement regarding the cases so far. Social media companies often face legal scrutiny over content posted by users, and the role of platform administrators in ensuring compliance with Indian laws has been a recurring subject of debate. Legal experts note that intermediaries are generally protected under the IT Act if they act promptly to remove unlawful content once notified, but such protection is not absolute.
The Hyderabad Police have not yet provided details on whether any summons have been issued or if a preliminary investigation has been initiated. The cases are likely to draw attention to the broader issue of misinformation and the use of morphed content during political protests. Authorities have urged citizens to verify information before sharing it online and have cautioned against the circulation of defamatory material.
This is a developing story. More details are expected as the investigation progresses. The police have not commented on the timeline for filing a chargesheet or completing the probe.
Observers point out that the registration of cases against a senior executive of a global technology firm is relatively rare in India, though platforms themselves have been involved in legal disputes over content moderation. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how social media companies are held accountable for content posted by third-party users.
As the situation evolves, both the CJP and the BJP are likely to use this legal development to further their respective narratives. The CJP has previously denied allegations of circulating morphed content, stating that its protests were peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to the examination irregularities.
The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have requested the public to report any instances of offensive or misleading content to their helpline, emphasising the importance of maintaining a respectful and lawful discourse on digital platforms.
