Surat content creator arrested for Gandhi‑centric Instagram reel
A 47‑year‑old social‑media personality from the Adajan area of Surat was taken into custody by the city’s Cyber Crime Branch after a short video she posted on October 1 attracted official censure. The clip, released just days before Gandhi Jayanti, displayed Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait as it appears on a ₹500 note and was accompanied by gestures and captions that authorities deemed disrespectful.
The influencer, identified as Simran Patel, lists herself as a homemaker but boasts almost one million followers on Instagram. Police say a formal complaint set off a digital forensic sweep that linked the offending material to her account, leading to her arrest.
Charges filed under the Information Technology Act
Investigators lodged a case under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, which penalises the publication or transmission of obscene content in electronic form. After verifying the nature of the post, the cyber‑crime team formally booked Patel and placed her behind bars.
This filing highlights how India’s cyber‑legislation is increasingly being invoked to curb material perceived as insulting to national symbols and figures.
Officials caution against careless social‑media behaviour
The branch issued a wide‑ranging advisory urging internet users to double‑check facts before sharing and to refrain from using religious, cultural or historical icons in ways that could attract prosecution. Citizens are asked to report dubious content to the relevant authorities rather than amplifying it.
The probe remains ongoing as investigators continue to examine how the reel was produced and disseminated.
