Full Breakdown
Delhi Police Registers FIRs Against Social Media Handles Over Misinformation During Protests
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 13, 2026, Delhi Police filed four First Information Reports (FIRs) against social-media handles accused of spreading false narratives and rumours related to ongoing protests in the capital. Police also indicated that several handles based in Pakistan are under investigation for disseminating anti-India narratives.
Background & Context
The FIRs were filed amid large-scale protests organized by the youth-led pressure group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had scheduled a demonstration for October 10. The protests were linked to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a process opposition parties claim is irregular. A separate rally led by the INDIA bloc, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, marched toward the Supreme Court. A crackdown by the Centre reportedly led to the detention of more than 7,000 participants, among them former chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan and Manik Sarkar.
Timeline
- October 10 (occurred) – Social-media handles, including those based in Pakistan, allegedly circulated false claims that multiple people died during the Delhi protests.
- October 13, 2026 (occurred) – Delhi Police registered four FIRs against the alleged misinformation spreaders and announced the deactivation of several Pakistan-based handles.
Data & Statistics
- Police sources reported that around 500 social-media posts have been taken down for spreading rumours or attempting to create unrest.
- In a separate police statement, about 300 posts were removed that claimed Delhi Police opened fire at Rahul Gandhi’s rally, killing five workers.
- The crackdown on the October 10 protest resulted in the detention of more than 7,000 people across Delhi.
Official Statements & Responses
Delhi Police officials warned that spreading malicious rumours on social media is a punishable offence and said strict legal action would be initiated against identified handles, including @indiantiwari01, which has a documented history of sharing doctored media. Police also approached the platform X to request removal of objectionable and misleading content linked to the protests. A police source described the investigation as targeting “anti-India narratives” that could disturb public order.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Post-removal numbers: Some police statements cite 500 posts taken down, while others mention 300 posts removed in connection with a specific false claim about police firing.
- Cross-border involvement: No independent verification has been provided to confirm the alleged role of Pakistan-based handles, leaving a gap in establishing the extent of foreign-origin misinformation.
Why It Matters
The police action underscores heightened sensitivity to online misinformation during politically charged protests, especially those challenging the Election Commission’s SIR process. The alleged involvement of foreign-based social-media accounts raises concerns about cross-border information warfare and its impact on domestic law and order. The large number of detentions and the filing of FIRs reflect the Indian government’s broader strategy to control narratives surrounding electoral reforms and opposition rallies.