Surat influencer taken into custody over Gandhi‑themed Instagram clip
A 47‑year‑old Instagram personality from the Adajan area of Surat was apprehended by the city’s Cyber Crime Branch after a short video she posted on 1 October attracted official censure. The clip, uploaded just ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, displayed Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait from a ₹500 banknote alongside gestures and remarks that authorities considered disrespectful.
The woman, known as Simran Patel, describes herself as a homemaker yet boasts nearly one million followers on the platform. Police say a complaint set off a technical investigation that linked the offending material to her account, leading to her arrest.
Charges filed under the Information Technology Act
Investigators lodged a complaint invoking Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, which penalises the publication or transmission of obscene material in electronic form. After verifying the content, the cyber‑crime team formally booked Patel and placed her in custody.
This filing highlights the growing use of India’s digital legislation to police content deemed disrespectful toward national symbols.
Officials caution on future social‑media behaviour
The branch issued a wide‑ranging advisory urging internet users to fact‑check before sharing and to refrain from employing religious, cultural or historical icons in ways that could attract legal scrutiny. Citizens are encouraged to report questionable posts to the relevant authorities instead of amplifying them.
The probe remains ongoing as police continue to examine the creation and spread of the reel.
