Nagpur Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against four social media influencers, including YouTuber-turned-politician Manish Kashyap, for allegedly spreading false and defamatory content against Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari amid the ongoing debate over E20 ethanol-blended petrol.

The case was registered at the Nagpur City Cyber Police Station based on a complaint filed by Shishir Tripathi, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Social Media Cell in Nagpur.

Four influencers named in FIR

Besides Manish Kashyap, the FIR names the Instagram account Desi Boys (desi_boysncr) and social media influencers Harshit Rathi and Ankleash Invatee.

According to the complaint, a YouTube video uploaded by Kashyap on July 3 allegedly contained misinformation about E20 fuel and was intended to mislead the public while tarnishing the reputation of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The complainant further alleged that the other accused used abusive language against the minister in videos discussing ethanol-blended fuel, with the intention of spreading false information, disturbing public order and defaming him.

Charges under BNS and IT Act

Police have booked the accused under Sections 356, 352 and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. The investigation is currently underway.

Manish Kashyap, who had earlier been associated with the BJP, joined the Jan Suraaj Party last year.

Debate over E20 fuel continues

The FIR comes amid growing public discussion over the Centre’s promotion of E20 fuel, a blend consisting of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol.

Nitin Gadkari has consistently supported ethanol blending, stating that it will help reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil, lower vehicle emissions and improve farmers’ incomes by increasing demand for crops such as sugarcane.

However, some motorists, automobile enthusiasts and social media influencers have questioned the policy, claiming that E20 fuel could reduce fuel efficiency and affect older vehicles that are not designed for higher ethanol blends.

The Central Government has maintained that E20 fuel is safe for compatible vehicles and remains an important part of India’s clean energy and fuel diversification strategy