FIR filed over alleged fake social media campaign targeting Nitin Gadkari on E20 fuel

A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in Nagpur against several social media users for allegedly spreading false, misleading and defamatory content targeting Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari over the ethanol fuel issue.

The complaint was filed by Shishir Arun Tripathi, convenor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagpur City Social Media Cell. A YouTube video uploaded by content creator Manish Kashyap on July 3, 2026 allegedly made false, defamatory and misleading claims about Gadkari and E20 ethanol fuel with an intention to mislead the public, ANI reported.

Read also | AAP launches online campaign against E20 petrol, seeks different types of fuel

What does the complaint claim?

The complainant alleged that similar misleading videos and posts were uploaded on several other YouTube and Instagram accounts, including “Desi Boys”, “Harshit Rathi” and “Anklesh Inwati”. According to Tripathi, the claims against Gadkari were baseless and disputed. The complaint also alleged that the content posted on these accounts could disturb public peace and confuse citizens.

Quick answers to key questions

•5 QUESTIONS

The FIR alleges that several social media users have been spreading false, misleading and defamatory content about Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding E20 fuel, which could disturb public peace.

Kejriwal argues that E20 fuel leads to reduced mileage and faster engine wear in vehicles that are not designed for it, placing a financial burden on owners and prompting consumers to make choices at gas stations.

E20 gasoline can reduce fuel consumption by 3-5% due to its lower energy content, which could cause vehicles to use more fuel to travel the same distance.

Vehicle owners experiencing problems with E20 petrol are advised to lodge a complaint on the Department of Road Transport and Highways website to investigate their issues.

Many consumers and political figures, including Kejriwal, believe that there should be a choice between E20, E10 and conventional petrol to better accommodate vehicle compatibility and owner preferences.

After reviewing the complaint and the digital evidence provided by Tripathi, the Nagpur Cyber Police registered an FIR under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023, including Sections 356, 352 and 296, as well as Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

AAP convener writes to PM Modi demanding withdrawal of E20 fuel

Amid the growing debate over the introduction of E20 fuel nationwide, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Center to reconsider its decision to introduce E20 petrol for vehicles that are not compatible with it.

In his letter, Kejriwal said that the use of E20 petrol in vehicles manufactured before 2023 has resulted in reduced mileage, faster engine wear and increased financial burden on vehicle owners.

He also called for gas stations across the country to offer consumers a choice between pure gasoline and E20 fuel. Kejriwal further urged the government to reduce the price of E20 petrol, saying its lower calorific value translates into lower fuel consumption.

Read also | Why Brazil’s ethanol success is at the center of India’s E20 debate

At a press conference on Tuesday, the former Delhi CM said, “I have appealed to PM Modi to reduce the price of E20 fuel; since E20 gives lower mileage, its price should also be lower… I have also sought an appointment to meet him.”

He added: “I want to tell everyone who is troubled by these issues to make videos and post them on social media because this government will not listen to us so easily.”

Debate on E20 fuel

The center is facing growing anger over its decision to make E20 fuel mandatory. However, vehicle owners demanded a choice. E20 petrol has become the only fuel sold at 90,000 Indian gas stations by the end of 2025, sparking a public outcry.

According to Reuters, hundreds of vehicle owners have taken to social media to post their complaints about reduced fuel economy and increased wear and tear on car parts due to E20. One of the main complaints is that they don’t have the option to buy unblended gasoline if they want to.

Read also | Mercedes-Benz backs E20 fuel, says its cars are ‘materials compatible’

Gadkari’s response to E20 is disturbing

Earlier this week, on Monday, Gadkari addressed concerns about E20 fuel. In an interview with ABP News, he said ethanol-blended fuel alone cannot be responsible for lower fuel efficiency. He added that several other factors also affect vehicle performance and that the average car owner cannot accurately measure fuel consumption by himself.