Why Did Folk Singer Neha Singh Rathore Visit Hazratganj Police Station?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Neha Singh Rathore complied with a Supreme Court order.
- The FIR was filed due to alleged objectionable posts on social media.
- The posts questioned the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Rathore received interim protection from arrest.
- The incident raises important questions about free speech.
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) Folk artist Neha Singh Rathore arrived at the Hazratganj Police Station on Monday morning, following a directive from the Supreme Court concerning an FIR filed against her for allegedly posting objectionable content on social media after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
While speaking to the media, Neha Singh Rathore stated, “I received an order from the Supreme Court of India to report to Hazratganj Police Station before the Investigating Officer at 11:00 AM on 19.01.2026. I am here to comply with that order.”
The Supreme Court had previously granted Neha Singh Rathore interim protection from arrest on January 7, allowing her to address the FIR against her without the concern of immediate detention.
The FIR, which was lodged at Hazratganj Police Station on April 27, 2025, cites various sections of the BNS including 196(1)(a), 196(1)(b), 197(1)(a), 197(1)(b), 197(1)(c), 197(1)(d), 353(1)(c), 353(2), 302, 152, and Section 69(a) of the IT Act. It was filed by noted poet Abhay Pratap Singh, recognized as Abhay Singh Nirbhik.
Rathore faces allegations of questioning the deaths of 26 victims from the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir through her posts on social media. The attack, executed by militants allegedly supported by Pakistan, predominantly targeted Hindu tourists.
The FIR claims that Rathore’s posts not only questioned the circumstances surrounding the attack but also aimed to incite communal discord, disrupt national harmony, and undermine public order by disseminating objectionable content and controversial statements on social media. Authorities consider these posts potentially harmful to national integrity and community peace.
The Pahalgam attack ignited widespread outrage across India, with citizens vocally condemning terrorism supported by Pakistan. In this volatile context, Rathore’s alleged social media activity came under legal scrutiny, resulting in the FIR's registration and subsequent judicial actions.