Karnataka Congress Legal Cell Files FIR Against YouTuber Ajeet Bharti for Alleged Fake News Propagation

On Saturday, June 15, the Karnataka Congress legal cell filed a First Information Report (FIR) against journalist Ajeet Bharti. The FIR was lodged in response to Bharti’s claims that Rahul Gandhi had stated intentions to remove the Ram Mandir and restore the Babri Masjid. 

This legal action highlights the Congress party’s efforts to counter what it considers to be false and inflammatory statements, aiming to protect the integrity of public discourse and prevent the spread of misinformation.

This action comes after Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair shared a clip from one of Bharti’s older videos, in which Bharti claimed that Rahul Gandhi stated he would remove the Ram Mandir and restore the Babri Masjid. 

Zubair challenged the accuracy of Bharti’s statement, asking, “When did Rahul Gandhi say in any of his speeches that Ram Mandir would be removed and he would bring back Babri Masjid?” Zubair further alleged, “They repeatedly spread disinformation because they know they are protected by BJP and the opposition will not take any action against them.” 

This legal move highlights the Congress party’s effort to counter the spread of misinformation and uphold the integrity of public discourse.

Karnataka Congress Files FIR Against Ajeet Bharti Following Controversial Claims

Following the provocative claims made by journalist Ajeet Bharti, the Karnataka Congress legal cell filed a First Information Report (FIR) in Bengaluru, where the Congress party governs under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. 

The FIR has been lodged under sections 153A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which address offenses related to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and disseminating rumors or alarming news, respectively. This action underscores the party’s commitment to combating misinformation and maintaining public order.

Ajeet Bharti Defends Himself by Citing Acharya Pramod Krishnam’s Allegations

In his defense, journalist Ajeet Bharti claimed that he was quoting former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam. Krishnam, last month, alleged that Rahul Gandhi had made the controversial statements in a private meeting with close aides. 

According to Krishnam, Gandhi purportedly said, “If our government is formed, then we will form a Superpower Commission and change the Ram Mandir verdict, just like (former PM and Rahul’s father) Rajiv Gandhi changed the Shah Bano verdict.”

Acharya Pramod Krishnam Cites Long Tenure in Congress and Mentions Alleged Influence of Sam Pitroda

Acharya Pramod Krishnam, recalling his over 32 years in the Congress party, stated that Rahul Gandhi made the controversial remarks in a meeting with close aides, reportedly on the advice of a “well-wisher living in America.” 

Krishnam was likely referring to Sam Pitroda, a close associate of Rahul Gandhi who resides in the USA. Pitroda recently faced controversy for making racist remarks against Indians and praising the US inheritance tax.