Kangana Ranaut faces FIR in Himachal Pradesh over controversial remarks on Gandhi family

The Himachal Pradesh Police has registered an FIR against BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut over her social media posts targeting the Gandhi family. The case was registered in Shimla on Friday, November 13, following a complaint by retired Captain Atul Sharma, who alleged that her remarks were inflammatory and could disturb public peace.

The FIR has been filed under Sections 196(1)(b), 353(2) and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed the registration of the case and said that an investigation would be carried out.

Complaint Over Remarks Against Sonia Gandhi

According to the complaint, Ranaut shared a series of posts through her verified social media account on November 10. Sharma alleged that the posts made controversial claims about the deaths of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her sons, Sanjay Gandhi and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

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The complainant also objected to Ranaut's reference to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as a "mysterious foreign national". He claimed that the post suggested that Sonia Gandhi entered the Gandhi family before several family members died, eventually paving the way for her to take charge of the government. The post reportedly ended with the remark, "How convenient."

Maneka Gandhi's Reference Also Raised Objections

Sharma further objected to the claims about Maneka Gandhi, alleging that the post referred to her being forced to leave the family residence following Sanjay Gandhi's death.

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In his complaint to the Director General of Police, sent by email on Thursday evening, Sharma requested an FIR and a time-bound cyber-forensic investigation. He argued that the posts went beyond political criticism and could spread misleading information, create hostility and disturb public harmony.

Sonia Gandhi's Memoir Release Coincides With Controversy

Ranaut's remarks came earlier this week when she questioned the timing of Sonia Gandhi acquiring Indian citizenship in 1983, following her marriage. She also raised questions about Sonia Gandhi's political journey through an Instagram Story.

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The controversy also came into focus on the same day Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, was released. The book has drawn attention to her personal journey, experiences and life within the Gandhi family.

Adding to the discussion, an old family video from around 1981 resurfaced on social media. The footage reportedly shows a family dinner attended by Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Maneka Gandhi and young Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Meanwhile, the police have started investigating the allegations against Ranaut. The claims made in the complaint are being examined as part of the ongoing probe.

- PTC PUNJABI