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Neha Singh Rathore has become the latest figure to face legal action for political commentary, as the Indian Bhojpuri singer was booked under sedition and other serious charges after questioning the official narrative surrounding the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to NDTV, a case was registered in Lucknow under the Information Technology Act following a citizen’s complaint, accusing Rathore of hurting the sentiments of victims and their families through a video she posted on social media.
In the now-viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rathore claimed that the Pahalgam attack was a “political drama” staged by the Indian government to influence voters ahead of the Bihar elections. She further questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inability to prevent the attack, stating that a leader who claims to stop wars with a single phone call should be able to prevent such incidents within his own country.
The Indian singer booked for these comments also challenged the crackdown on public dissent, asking why citizens are discouraged from raising legitimate questions if the government’s account of the incident is accurate.
Crackdown on Dissent Grows in India
Rathore’s case is part of a broader crackdown by the Indian government on voices that challenge or question the official version of events surrounding the Pahalgam attack. In recent days, India has banned multiple Pakistani news outlets and YouTube channels that reported alternative views or questioned the state narrative.
Authorities have also taken swift legal action against individuals, both within and outside India, who express dissent or criticize the government’s stance on the matter. The targeting of Rathore, a cultural figure, underscores how the space for public dialogue and dissent is shrinking in India.
India Today reported that the FIR included concerns that Rathore’s video was allegedly being amplified by Pakistani social media accounts and media outlets for anti-India propaganda.
While Rathore has not been arrested as of the latest updates, she faces multiple charges including sedition, incitement of religious and racial hatred, and defamation of the government.
