Gujarat CM change fake post: X user booked in Ahmedabad for fabricated claim
Synopsis
A social media user claiming to be a news executive was booked by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch for posting a fabricated claim that Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi would replace CM Bhupendra Patel. The case, filed under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act, is a signal that Gujarat police are treating politically charged misinformation as criminal conspiracy.
Key Takeaways
Ahmedabad City Crime Branch registered a case on 22 August against X user Pawan Tyagi (@PAWANTYAGI_07) for a fabricated post.
The post falsely claimed Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi would become Gujarat CM and CM Bhupendra Patel would be made Governor.
The Crime Branch described the content as “false and fabricated” and alleged it was part of a criminal conspiracy .
Case registered under Sections 336(4), 353(1), 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66(D) of the IT Act .
Tyagi’s X bio identifies him as “Executive Editor, Pyara Hindustan News Network.” Police have appealed to the public to avoid sharing misleading social media content and warned of action against offenders.
The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch on Saturday, 22 August registered a case against a social media user on platform X for allegedly circulating a fabricated post claiming that Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi would replace Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and that Patel would be appointed as Governor. The account identified as @PAWANTYAGI_07, belonging to one Pawan Tyagi, published the post, which the Crime Branch has described as “false and fabricated.”
What the Fake Post Claimed
The post, written in Hindi, read: “Big breaking news, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi will be made the Chief Minister of Gujarat. CM Bhupendra Patel will be made the Governor.” According to investigators, the content was framed and circulated in a manner likely to damage the reputations of both Patel and Sanghavi, as well as undermine the constitutional sanctity of the office of the Chief Minister.
Who Is the Accused
The accused, Pawan Tyagi, describes himself in his X bio as “Executive Editor, Pyara Hindustan News Network, The News Channel, Swayamsevak.” The Crime Branch alleges the electronic content was created and published as part of a criminal conspiracy and was subsequently circulated more widely across social media platforms.
Sections Invoked
The case has been registered under Sections 336(4), 353(1), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. The combination of BNS provisions and the IT Act signals that authorities are treating the matter as both a criminal conspiracy and a case of impersonation or electronic fraud.
Police Warning on Misinformation
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has appealed to the public to exercise caution about misleading content circulating on social media. Officers stated that action would be taken against individuals who upload false or panic-inducing posts. This case is part of a broader pattern of law enforcement agencies in Gujarat — and across India — invoking the BNS and IT Act to crack down on politically sensitive misinformation online.
What Happens Next
The Crime Branch is investigating the full circumstances surrounding the creation and distribution of the post, including whether other accounts participated in its spread. The case is currently at the stage of legal investigation, and no arrest has been reported so far. The outcome could set a precedent for how fabricated political claims on social media are prosecuted under India’s new criminal code.
Point of View
Not merely defamation — a higher bar with more serious consequences. The accused’s self-description as a news executive adds a layer of accountability that courts may weigh heavily. What remains untested is whether the law as applied here can survive scrutiny on free-speech grounds: the post made a political prediction, not a statement of verified fact, and the line between satire, speculation, and fabrication is one Indian courts have yet to draw cleanly in the social media era.
NationPress
22 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the fake post about Gujarat CM that led to an arrest case?
The post, published on X by user Pawan Tyagi (@PAWANTYAGI_07) , falsely claimed that Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi would be made Chief Minister and that sitting CM Bhupendra Patel would be appointed Governor. The Ahmedabad Crime Branch described the claim as “false and fabricated.”
Under which laws has the case been registered?
The case has been filed under Sections 336(4), 353(1), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. These provisions cover criminal conspiracy, statements prejudicial to public order, and electronic impersonation or fraud.
Who is Pawan Tyagi, the accused in the Gujarat fake post case?
Pawan Tyagi describes himself in his X bio as ‘Executive Editor, Pyara Hindustan News Network, The News Channel, Swayamsevak.’ His account, @PAWANTYAGI_07, published the fabricated post that triggered the Crime Branch case.
Has anyone been arrested in the Gujarat CM fake post case?
As of the information available, no arrest has been reported. The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has registered the case and is currently at the stage of legal investigation into the creation and circulation of the alleged fabricated content.
What is the Gujarat police’s broader warning on social media misinformation?
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has publicly warned that action will be taken against anyone who uploads false or misleading posts on social media that could create fear or panic. Police have also urged the public to exercise caution before sharing unverified content on social platforms.
