MP Influencer Booked for Abusive Reel Targeting Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
A social media content creator has been booked in Madhya Pradesh's Niwari district for allegedly using highly abusive language against Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the Delhi Police in a video clip amid student protests.
According to police, Yashpal Soni, a local influencer, was booked on July 23 after a complaint from local BJP leaders led by block president Kamlesh Chourasiya. The case was registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to obscene acts and intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace.
Niwari Superintendent of Police Ray Singh Narwaria said the video was 'way out of the purview of freedom of expression.' He noted that Soni used objectionable curse words, which is not protected speech. Soni has since removed the video and reportedly apologised.
The video, titled 'Desh dobara gulam ho gaya hai' (The nation has been enslaved again), showed Soni cursing Pradhan and BJP leaders over the latter's resignation, and police actions against student protesters. Soni was questioned and released.
Pradhan resigned from his post on July 25 following weeks of student agitation over the NEET question paper leak and other exam irregularities. His removal was a key demand of the party leading the movement. He has been replaced by Union Cabinet colleague Pralhad Joshi.
