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Folk singer and political satirist Neha Singh Rathore has been booked for sedition following allegations that she made provocative social media posts after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
A complaint filed by Abhay Pratap Singh claims that Rathore used her social media accounts to make “anti-national statements” that allegedly targeted a specific religious community, potentially inciting communal tensions. Family members of several victims of the April 22 attack in Baisaran valley stated that the attackers questioned individuals about their religion before opening fire on those who identified as Hindu.
Neha Singh Rathore, known for her Bhojpuri folk songs and political satire, rose to fame during the COVID-19 lockdown by highlighting issues faced by migrant workers. She started her career in 2019 by uploading Bhojpuri songs to Facebook and later gained wider popularity on YouTube, with political commentaries like “Bihar Mein Ka Ba,” “UP Mein Ka Ba?” and “MP Mein Ka Ba?”.
Born in 1997 in Jandaha, Bihar, Rathore completed her B.Sc. from Kanpur University in 2018. She has cited Bhojpuri poets Bhikhari Thakur and Mahendar Misir as her inspirations.
This is not the first time Rathore has faced controversy. In July 2023, she was booked for sharing a caricature related to the Madhya Pradesh urination incident, and her politically charged songs during election seasons have often drawn sharp reactions.
In the latest case, Rathore has been charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for promoting enmity, disturbing public peace, and endangering the sovereignty and integrity of India. Charges under the Information Technology Act have also been applied.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have warned against content that could further inflame communal tensions. Rathore has not yet publicly responded to the new charges.
Also Read: India Halts Visa Services for Pakistani Nationals, Revokes Existing Visas Following Pahalgam Attack
