FIR Filed Against Influencers Over Misleading Posts on Ethanol Fuel and Minister Gadkari
Nagpur Cyber Police registered an FIR against four social media influencers, including YouTuber Manish Kashyap, for allegedly spreading misleading and defamatory content about ethanol-blended petrol (E20) and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The complaint, filed by BJP's Nagpur social media cell chief Shishir Tripathi, accuses the influencers of misrepresenting facts, using abusive language, and tarnishing Gadkari's image. Gadkari has defended E20, challenging critics to cite any vehicle damage caused by the fuel. The case is under investigation under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and IT Act.
First-hand measurement across 12 sources
We measured how 12 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 28%, Centre 51%, Right 21%). Overall sentiment is neutral (40/100). Lens Score 35/100 — moderate-to-low public interest.
Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):
- oneindia— left-leaning framing, neutral sentiment
- freepressjournal— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- news18— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- indiatoday— left-leaning framing, neutral sentiment
- businessstandard— left-leaning framing, neutral sentiment
- ndtv— right-leaning framing, neutral sentiment
- english— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
- httpswwwoutlookindiacom— right-leaning framing, negative sentiment
AI Analysis
The articles primarily reflect perspectives aligned with the BJP, emphasizing the complaint against influencers for allegedly spreading misinformation about the ethanol policy and Minister Gadkari. Opposition viewpoints are minimally represented, with only a brief mention of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's concerns about E20 fuel. The coverage focuses on official statements and legal actions, framing the issue as a matter of misinformation and defamation.
The overall tone across the articles is neutral to negative regarding the influencers, highlighting allegations of misinformation and defamation. Gadkari's defense of the ethanol policy introduces a positive aspect for the government’s stance. The sentiment is balanced by reporting both the complaint and the ongoing debate around E20 fuel, without overtly endorsing either side.