Bengaluru, May 21, 2025 — An FIR has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT cell head Amit Malviya and Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami for allegedly spreading misinformation linking the Indian National Congress to a location in Türkiye.
The FIR, lodged at Bengaluru’s High Grounds Police Station on May 20, follows a complaint submitted by Shrikant Swaroop BN, head of the Indian Youth Congress’s legal cell. The complaint accuses both individuals of falsely portraying the Istanbul Congress Centre as an overseas office of the Congress party.
Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 192, which pertains to provocation with the intent to incite riots, and Section 352, relating to intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of peace.
The development occurs in the context of heightened tensions between India and Türkiye, amid the latter’s alleged backing of Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s military response through Operation Sindoor.
According to the FIR, the complaint describes the incident as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Congress party. It alleges that the dissemination of false information was aimed at stirring nationalist sentiments, creating public disorder, and undermining democratic values.
“The claim that the Istanbul Congress Centre is affiliated with the Indian National Congress is entirely baseless and seems to have been spread with malicious intent,” the complaint notes. It further accuses the two of using their platforms and influence to amplify disinformation for political gain.
The complainant has urged various institutions, including the Press Council of India, the News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to take urgent action. He has called for the arrest of the accused and the dismantling of what he describes as a “disinformation network.”
Police sources have indicated that notices summoning the two for inquiry may be issued soon.
