The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has filed a cyber complaint with the Bengaluru City Police Cyber Crime Division concerning an Instagram video targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The complaint, lodged on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, alleges that the video contains defamatory, obscene, and sexually explicit language aimed at Gandhi.

H.S. Manjunath, the KPCC social media coordinator, submitted the formal complaint. According to the complaint, the video was circulated through an Instagram handle identified as 'chatterjee_official'. The content is described as highly derogatory and insulting, intended to spread hatred and tarnish the image of the prominent political figure. The KPCC emphasized the video's potential to provoke public mischief and disrupt peace, especially given its broad accessibility on a popular social media platform.

The complaint invokes several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act. These include IPC Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 292 (sale, etc., of obscene books, etc.), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), and 500 (punishment for defamation). Additionally, Section 67 of the IT Act, which pertains to publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form, has been cited.

The KPCC stated that the objective behind filing the complaint is to ensure stringent action is taken against the individual operating the 'chatterjee_official' Instagram handle and any other persons or entities involved in the creation, circulation, and promotion of the objectionable video. The party highlighted the importance of accountability for online content, particularly when it resorts to personal attacks and the dissemination of potentially harmful material.

Police officials have acknowledged receipt of the complaint and stated that an investigation has been initiated. This incident underscores the growing challenges associated with digital content regulation and the spread of misinformation or defamatory material on social media platforms, especially within the political landscape. The outcome of the police investigation and potential legal proceedings will determine the implications for online content creators and platform responsibilities in monitoring user-generated content. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.