An FIR has been registered in Nagpur against four social media influencers, including prominent YouTuber-turned-politician Manish Kashyap, for allegedly circulating false and defamatory content targeting Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari amid the ongoing controversy surrounding ethanol-blended petrol (E20).
The case was registered at the Nagpur City Cyber Police Station following a complaint filed by Shishir Tripathi, the city president of the BJP’s social media cell. Along with Kashyap, the FIR also names the Instagram account Desi Boys (desi_boysncr) and influencers Harshit Rathi and Ankleash Invatee.
According to the complaint, a YouTube video uploaded by Kashyap on July 3 contained alleged misinformation intended to create public confusion regarding E20 fuel and tarnish Gadkari’s image. Kashyap had joined Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party last year after leaving the BJP.
Tripathi further alleged that the other three accused posted videos on ethanol-blended fuel containing abusive remarks against the Union minister. The complaint claims that the content was aimed at spreading misinformation, disturbing public order, and defaming Gadkari.
Based on the complaint, police have registered the case under Sections 356, 352, and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.
The FIR comes against the backdrop of an intensifying public debate over the Centre’s promotion of E20 fuel, a blend comprising 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol.
Nitin Gadkari has been one of the government’s strongest advocates of ethanol blending, describing it as a crucial measure to reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil, lower carbon emissions, and boost farmers’ incomes by increasing demand for crops such as sugarcane.
However, the policy has drawn criticism from some motorists, automobile enthusiasts, and social media influencers, who argue that E20 fuel may reduce fuel efficiency and potentially affect the performance of older vehicles that are not designed to operate on higher ethanol blends.
The government has consistently maintained that E20 fuel is safe for vehicles compatible with the blend and forms an important part of India’s long-term energy transition strategy.
According to the complaint filed with the Nagpur police, the allegations against Kashyap and the other influencers arise from content they published as part of the ongoing debate over ethanol-blended fuel.
