Hyderabad, 21 July
YouTuber Saddam Faces Case Over Allegedly Defamatory Social Media Video in Hyderabad
YouTuber Saddam faces case after the Amberpet Police registered an FIR against him and two others for allegedly circulating a defamatory and misleading video on social media targeting a local Congress leader. The complaint alleges that the video was intended to damage the reputation of the complainant and mislead the public ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
The case was registered following a complaint filed by Mohammed Abdul Fareed, a Congress worker, who accused the YouTuber of deliberately spreading false information regarding civic arrangements made during Shab-e-Barat.
YouTuber Saddam Faces Case Following Complaint
The YouTuber Saddam faces case after Fareed approached the Amberpet Police alleging that the accused uploaded and circulated a misleading video on July 4, on the eve of Shab-e-Barat.
According to the complaint, the video criticised the lack of lighting arrangements at the Qadribagh graveyard in Amberpet, creating the impression that the authorities had failed to provide basic civic facilities during the religious occasion.
Fareed claimed the allegations made in the video were inaccurate and intended to tarnish both his personal image and that of the Congress party.
Temporary Power Disruption Cited
In his complaint, Mohammed Abdul Fareed stated that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had arranged temporary lighting at mosques and graveyards across Amberpet following his representation to the civic authorities.
However, he explained that the lighting failure at the Qadribagh graveyard occurred because of an unexpected power disruption, which temporarily affected electricity supply at the location.
He alleged that despite being aware of the circumstances, the accused shared a misleading narrative through the video to create public dissatisfaction.
Allegations of Defamation and Political Motive
According to the complaint, YouTuber Saddam faces case because the video was allegedly circulated with the intention of damaging Fareed’s reputation and portraying him negatively before the public.
Fareed also alleged that the content sought to defame the Congress party by suggesting negligence in making arrangements for Shab-e-Barat.
The complaint further stated that the circulation of such content could influence public opinion and voters at a sensitive time, as local body elections are expected and the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force.
Police are expected to examine the contents of the video and determine whether any provisions of law have been violated.
FIR Registered Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Based on the complaint, Amberpet Police registered a case against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The FIR includes:
- Section 356(3) – Defamation.
- Section 353(2) – Circulating false information intended to promote enmity, hatred, or ill-will among different communities.
Police have initiated an investigation to verify the allegations and examine the circumstances surrounding the publication and circulation of the video.
Complainant Seeks Removal of Video
Apart from criminal action, the complainant has requested the authorities to ensure that the video is removed from social media platforms to prevent its further circulation.
Fareed argued that the continued availability of the video could mislead the public and further damage his reputation.
Officials are expected to take appropriate action after completing the investigation and examining digital evidence related to the case.
Investigation Underway
The YouTuber Saddam faces case as Amberpet Police continue their investigation into the complaint. Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the allegations made against the accused or any further legal action.
The case highlights the growing scrutiny over content shared on social media platforms, particularly during election periods when authorities closely monitor misinformation, defamatory content, and posts that could influence public opinion.
Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.