Hyderabad cybercrime police have registered cases against Meta India head Arun Srinivas and multiple Facebook and Instagram accounts after complaints alleged that morphed and offensive content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi was circulated during the CJP-led NEET paper leak agitation.

The case signals the new flare-up in an already sensitive debate over social media moderation, political speech, and the handling of altered digital content on large platforms.

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The matter lands before police

One complaint was filed on July 29 at 7:40 pm by T Saikiran Goud, a 32-year-old BJP Telangana social media committee member and resident of Hyderabad’s Nampally area, per ThePrint.

Goud said he came across reels and posts on July 29 afternoon that were allegedly derogatory towards the prime minister and appeared to promote narratives prejudicial to national integrity.

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(Representational image) Hyderabad Police say the probe will examine allegations linked to PM Modi posts | AI

He listed 20 Instagram and Facebook URLs and asked police to preserve electronic evidence, identify the account operators, and coordinate with Meta to obtain account details. He also sought strict action against the platform for allegedly allowing such morphed reels to circulate.

Another complaint was from a 29-year-old businessman.

The digital trail

The complainants allegedly found multiple morphed and digitally manipulated videos and images on Instagram. They described the material as portraying the prime minister in an “obscene, derogatory, and misleading manner” and said the comments attached to the posts contained “offensive language, ridicule, and indecent remarks.”

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(Representational image) PM Modi morphed social media post above a protest crowd | AI

They added that the content appeared to be “digitally altered or AI-generated” and warned that it could mislead the public, spread misinformation, incite hatred or public unrest, and disturb public order.

The law now takes its course

Acting on the complaint, ASI K. Hari Ram registered a case at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Hyderabad.

It was was booked under Sections 66(C) and 67 of the Information Technology Act, along with Sections 353(2) and 336(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

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Representational image | AI

The matter has been handed over to Inspector P. Jayashankar for further investigation.

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FAQs

Q1: Why was Meta India head Arun Srinivas booked by Hyderabad Police?

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police registered a case over complaints alleging that morphed and objectionable Facebook and Instagram posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi were circulated during a protest.

Q2: What charges have been filed in the case against Meta India head?

The FIR invokes provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with the allegations currently under police investigation.