'A daughter is everyone's daughter': Yogi directs police to act against online trolls

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday directed police to register an FIR over alleged derogatory social media posts targeting Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's daughter. Speaking at an event in Azamgarh, he condemned the remarks and said insulting comments against any daughter were unacceptable. He stated that police action was ordered immediately after the matter came to his notice.

Addressing the gathering, Yogi Adityanath emphasized the need for dignity in public discourse and said daughters and sisters should be treated with respect. He said that no distinction should be made when it comes to protecting the dignity of women and described the comments made against Akhilesh Yadav's daughter as inappropriate. He reiterated that an FIR had been directed to be filed in the matter.

The Chief Minister also addressed Akhilesh Yadav directly, urging him to ensure that members and supporters of his own party maintain restraint in their language. He said political workers across parties should avoid objectionable remarks and conduct themselves responsibly in public and online discussions.

The controversy began after a social media post dated June 9 allegedly contained false, forged, and misleading claims about Akhilesh Yadav's daughter Aditi. According to officials, the post also included objectionable remarks and a morphed photograph that allegedly sought to damage her public image. The matter subsequently drew attention on social media and prompted police action.

Police have registered a case against Bharat Kumar Patel, who allegedly operated the social media account from which the original post was made, along with Nageshwar Singh Baghel and Vinod Kumar Yadav for allegedly posting abusive comments. The FIR has been registered under Sections 79 and 336 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. Police action has been initiated in multiple districts, including Kanpur, and the case is being investigated by the cyber crime police.