FIR filed against BJP IT cell chief, journalist Arnab Goswami

Bengaluru, May 21, 2025 — An FIR has been registered against Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP’s IT Cell, and Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, for allegedly disseminating false information about the Indian National Congress (INC)

The complaint was filed by Shrikant Swaroop B N, head of the Indian Youth Congress’s legal cell, at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru. The FIR cites Sections 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) of the Indian Penal Code. 

The complaint accuses Malviya and Goswami of spreading a fabricated claim that the Istanbul Congress Centre in Turkey is the official office of the INC. The complainant alleges that this misinformation was intended to defame the party, manipulate nationalist sentiments, and incite public unrest.

The Congress party has condemned the alleged actions, describing them as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and democratic integrity. They have appealed to various authorities, including the Press Council of India and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to take immediate action. 

The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media, with both supporters and critics expressing their views. The outcome of the legal proceedings will likely have significant implications for political discourse and media practices in India.