Key Points
- Folk singer Neha Singh Rathore faces sedition charges in Lucknow for her social media posts on the Pahalgam terror attack.
- FIR alleges her remarks incited communal tensions and undermined national unity; her video has gone viral in Pakistan and is being used for anti-India propaganda.
- Neha criticized the Modi government, claiming the attack would be politicized for electoral gains, sparking nationwide outrage and political backlash.
- The case has reignited debates on freedom of expression, national responsibility, and the politicization of terror attacks in India.
New Delhi: Folk singer and social media personality Neha Singh Rathore has landed in legal trouble after an FIR was filed against her at Lucknow’s Hazratganj police station for her provocative social media posts regarding the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The complaint, lodged by poet Abhay Pratap Singh, alleges that Neha’s comments not only questioned the government’s handling of the tragedy but also incited communal tensions and threatened national unity.
What Triggered the FIR?
Neha Singh Rathore, known for her outspoken political commentary, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing the Modi government for failing to prevent the Pahalgam attack. In her video, she claimed that the government would use the tragedy for political gains in the upcoming Bihar elections, similar to the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama attack. She questioned the government’s security preparedness and accused it of prioritizing emotional and religious narratives over real issues like education and healthcare.
Her remarks, including statements like “the government will seek votes in Bihar in the name of the Pahalgam attack victims,” quickly went viral-especially after being shared by a Pakistani journalists’ group on social media. Pakistani media and leaders amplified her criticism, using it to fuel anti-India propaganda and claim growing dissent within India.
Legal Charges and Investigation
The FIR against Neha Singh Rathore includes multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act, covering charges such as promoting enmity between communities, disturbing public tranquility, and endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India. Police have initiated a detailed investigation and stated that further action will be taken as per the findings.
Nationwide Outrage and Political Backlash
Neha’s comments have sparked widespread anger across India, with both the public and political leaders condemning her statements. Critics argue that her remarks undermine the nation’s fight against terrorism and provide ammunition to hostile foreign entities. Even opposition leaders, including Congress’s Abhishek Manu Singhvi, called for restraint and urged that politics be kept aside during national tragedies.
BJP leaders have demanded strict action, accusing Neha of spreading anti-national propaganda and inciting unrest. The controversy has also reignited debates over freedom of expression versus national responsibility, especially during sensitive times of national mourning and security crises.
Neha’s Response
In response to the backlash, Neha Singh Rathore defended her right to question the government, stating that asking tough questions is a democratic right and not anti-national. She highlighted her family’s history of military service to counter accusations of disloyalty.
Neha Singh Rathore’s controversial video and the subsequent legal action have become a flashpoint in India’s ongoing debates around dissent, patriotism, and the politicization of terror attacks. As the investigation proceeds, the case continues to dominate headlines and social media discussions nationwide.
