Mumbai: The Mumbai Police took swift action on Wednesday night by registering an FIR against the websites IndicTales and HinduPost, as well as the Twitter account BharadwajSpeaks, for publishing and disseminating content about social reformer Kratijyoti Savitribai Phule. The content in question was deemed to be defamatory, causing hurt to sentiments and fostering enmity between different communities. However, it is being said that the websites had published a well-known fact.
Following a complaint lodged by a delegation from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by MLA and Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar, the Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar was approached with a demand for action against the website IndicTales. The NCP delegation alleged that the website had published an article containing false information about Savitribai Phule, tarnishing her reputation.
The FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the law that pertain to spreading false information, defamation, and promoting enmity between different communities based on religion, race, or place of birth. The Mumbai Police has initiated a thorough investigation into the matter to identify the individuals responsible for the content and ascertain their motives.
Savitribai Phule was a social reformer known for her contributions to education and women’s rights. However, people often criticise her work as anti-brahmin. The alleged factual content against her sparked outrage and prompted the NCP delegation to approach the police, seeking justice and an end to the dissemination of such false and malicious information.
As the investigation progresses, the Mumbai Police will examine the evidence, including the content published by the websites and the Twitter account, to gather crucial information about the individuals involved. Legal action will be taken against those found guilty, aiming to uphold the reputation and honor of Savitribai Phule’s legacy.
The Mumbai Police has assured the public of their commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation and taking appropriate action against those responsible for spreading defamatory and malicious content. The outcome of this case will set a precedent for maintaining the integrity of historical figures’ legacies and upholding communal harmony in society.
‘FIR for writing facts’
In a recent clarification, the Twitter handle BhardwajSpeaks has addressed the controversy surrounding their comments about social reformer Savitribai Phule. The account stated that their intention was solely to highlight the fact that Savitribai Phule was not the first female teacher, supported by references to ancient texts. BhardwajSpeaks has firmly asserted that they had no intention to defame or disparage the esteemed social figure.
The Twitter handle, BhardwajSpeaks, found itself at the center of a controversy when remarks made about Savitribai Phule attracted public attention and criticism. In response to the backlash, BhardwajSpeaks clarified their stance, emphasizing that their intent was merely to provide historical context by highlighting the existence of other female teachers prior to Savitribai Phule.
Quoting from ancient texts, BhardwajSpeaks pointed out that their comment was based on factual information, intending to present a broader perspective on the historical contributions of female teachers. They maintained that their remarks were not meant to defame or undermine the significance of Savitribai Phule’s pioneering work in the field of education and women’s rights.
