Jharkhand News: FIRs Filed Against Two Accounts for Defaming Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

Ranchi, November 17, 2024: Jharkhand police have registered two FIRs against operators of specific social media accounts accused of orchestrating a campaign aimed at tarnishing the image of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the state’s reputation. This action follows a statement by CM Soren accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running a shadow campaign against him, allegedly funded with substantial financial resources.

Background of Allegations

Recently, Chief Minister Hemant Soren publicly stated that the BJP had conducted a ‘shadow campaign’ to damage his reputation and that of Jharkhand. He alleged that the opposition party had spent significant amounts on this coordinated effort. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Hemant Soren’s party, even provided detailed expenditure records to support the claim.

FIRs Filed Against Social Media Operators

The two FIRs were registered following an internal review that identified defamatory posts circulating on social media platforms. According to police sources, these accounts were traced to operators allegedly responsible for initiating and propagating the negative campaign. The authorities stated that this was a deliberate effort to spread misinformation and defame the Chief Minister’s public image.

Police Investigation Underway

The state police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify other potential individuals or groups involved in the defamation drive. Law enforcement officials emphasized that strict action would be taken under relevant legal provisions to curb the misuse of digital platforms for slander.

JMM’s Stance on the Issue

The JMM has been vocal in condemning such activities, stressing the importance of protecting political figures from targeted disinformation. Party representatives noted that efforts to malign public figures not only undermine democracy but also affect public trust in governance. The party’s spokesperson reiterated their call for accountability and transparency in online political discourse.

BJP’s Response

The BJP has yet to release an official statement regarding the allegations made by CM Hemant Soren and the subsequent FIRs. Political analysts anticipate that the party may address the accusations soon, given the potential impact on state-level politics.

Legal Perspective

Experts point out that the Indian Penal Code and IT Act provide robust measures for tackling cases involving defamation and cyber abuse. The outcome of the police investigation will likely set a precedent for handling similar cases of digital defamation in the state.

The development has drawn attention to the increasing prevalence of misinformation campaigns and their influence on political landscapes, highlighting the need for regulatory vigilance.