New Delhi: A criminal case has been registered against several social media influencers over allegations of a coordinated campaign to undermine the credibility of India’s food safety regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The First Information Report (FIR), filed by an official on behalf of the regulator, has led to a police investigation into what authorities describe as a large-scale, organised effort involving digital platforms, leaked documents, and possible cross-border elements.
Case registered in Delhi
The FIR was lodged around ten days ago at the IP Estate police station in Delhi. According to sources, multiple social media accounts are under scrutiny for allegedly circulating misleading content targeting the FSSAI.
Officials claim the posts were not isolated opinions but part of a systematic attempt to erode public confidence in the country’s food safety framework.
Allegations of leaked documents
At the centre of the investigation are claims that confidential internal documents belonging to the FSSAI were accessed and shared without authorisation.
Authorities suspect that some of these documents may have been tampered with or selectively edited before being circulated online to strengthen allegations against the regulator.
Investigators are also probing whether insiders within the organisation may have facilitated the leak, raising concerns about internal data security.
Influencers under scanner
Several social media handles on X have been named in the FIR, including @NalinisKitchen, @Khurpenchh, gemsofbabus_, @YKTDIndia, and @IamTheStory.
Food vlogger Nalini Unagar, who runs the handle @NalinisKitchen, had recently raised concerns about the rise of fake food products and questioned certain appointments within the FSSAI.
Probe into coordinated activity
Investigators believe the timing and pattern of posts indicate a coordinated campaign rather than spontaneous commentary. Multiple accounts reportedly amplified similar narratives simultaneously, pointing to possible orchestration.
Authorities are examining whether the dissemination of content involved external actors and if there was any financial or organisational backing behind the activity.
Suspected foreign links
Adding complexity to the case, officials are also probing potential foreign involvement. Some accounts are suspected to be operated from outside India, and investigators are examining whether external funding or international interests played a role.
There are also concerns that such campaigns could benefit businesses operating without regulatory approval by undermining trust in official food safety mechanisms.
Digital evidence and legal provisions
The Delhi Police have begun collecting digital evidence and have approached X for detailed account information, including IP logs, registration data, and session histories to trace those behind the posts.
The FIR invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, indicating that the case is being treated as both a criminal breach of trust and misuse of digital platforms.
Debate over free speech
The case has sparked debate over the implications of legal action against online commentators, particularly those raising concerns about public institutions.
However, authorities maintain that the investigation is focused on the alleged illegal acquisition and circulation of sensitive information, not on legitimate criticism.
Conclusion
As the probe progresses, investigators are expected to examine digital trails, financial links, and possible international connections. The case could have wider implications for regulation of online content and accountability in the digital space.