Physics Wallah, an edtech firm that has been in the limelight for its IPO plans, has sparked outrage in Jammu and Kashmir over an ad that allegedly featured its faculty driving an SUV in a protected forest area in Baderkote, Tangmarg, near Gulmarg.
The video – part of a promotional campaign for Physics Wallah’s ‘Toofan’ initiative has raised environmental concerns about the valley’s ecology and led to a police investigation, The Indian Express reported.
An FIR was lodged at Tangmarg police station on the complaint of Forest Field Supervisor (Gulmarg) Iftikhar Ahmad Qadri.
Why FIR against Physics Wallah?
Officer Qadri said the video showed six black Scorpions without registration plates driving through forest land “without permission from any competent authority” of the forest department.
Verification by forest personnel confirmed that the footage was shot inside the Baderkote forest block, the complaint said.
“A video has been uploaded on YouTube showing six black Scorpio vehicles without any registration plate illegally entering the forest area without any permission from any relevant authority of the forest department,” IE said in the complaint.
Check out the ad here:
The Forest Range alleged that the SUV was driving off-road on green meadows and damaging herbs and forest flora – a violation of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
“After verification from the field staff of Baderkote forest block, it came to light that the video was shot in a forest area (in) Baderkote forest block,” IE quoted Qadri as saying.
What are the allegations against the Physics Wallah?
The police booked the case under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for mischief, causing loss or damage to government property and the offense of trespassing, along with sections of the Indian Forest Act.
The FIR against Physics Wallah for violating forest rules comes days after YouTubers in Budgam were accused of a similar act of eco-vandalism where videos showed vehicles driving recklessly through Budgam’s pastures and meadows, prompting authorities to take legal action.
Physics Wallah is reportedly close to launching an initial public offering (IPO) that could raise ca ₹3,820 crore, according to several reports.
