BJP MP and News Editors Accused of Spreading Fake News on Farmer’s Suicide in Karnataka
A case has been filed against BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and editors of two Kannada news portals for allegedly spreading false information linking a farmer’s suicide in Karnataka’s Haveri district to a Waqf Board land dispute. The claim, which went viral on social media, was later debunked by local authorities as baseless.
Social Media Post by Tejasvi Surya Sparks Controversy
On November 7, Tejasvi Surya, who represents Bengaluru South, shared an article from Kannada news sources on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that a farmer named Rudrappa Channappa Balikai took his life due to a Waqf Board-related land conflict. Surya criticized the state government’s handling of minority affairs, suggesting that its actions were causing unrest in the state.
The post was subsequently deleted after Haveri district authorities confirmed that the suicide, which occurred on January 6, 2022, had no connection to any Waqf Board land issue. Police clarified that Balikai’s death was due to financial strain from crop losses and outstanding loans, and a formal report had already been filed under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Police Clarify Misinformation and File Charges
Haveri Superintendent of Police stated, “The news shared by Tejasvi Surya is completely false. There was no incident involving a Waqf Board land dispute in this case.” Following the spread of misinformation, Haveri police registered a case under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing the publication of statements intended to incite ill-will between groups.
The FIR names not only Tejasvi Surya but also editors from Kannada Dunia and Kannada News, the two Kannada news portals that originally published the story. The case is now being investigated by the Cybercrime, Economic Offences, and Narcotics (CEN) police in Haveri.
Political and Public Backlash Over Social Media Misinformation
The incident has fueled a political debate, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP MP of using misinformation to stir communal tensions. This case highlights growing concerns over the role of social media in spreading unverified claims, which can potentially disrupt public harmony and fuel discord.
Authorities Address Misinformation to Preserve Public Peace
This case underscores the importance of fact-checking in public discourse and the potential consequences of misinformation on social platforms. As the investigation proceeds, the incident raises broader questions about the accountability of public figures and media outlets in curbing the spread of false information.
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