‘Support govt or face action’: Influencers allege threats from Ahmedabad crime branch before local elections

As local self-government elections are approaching, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) allegedly collected data on social media posts both critical of and supportive of the government and shared it with the police.

Following this, Influencers allege that Ahmedabad Crime Branch summoned several social media influencers and advised them to post content highlighting government schemes and work, while avoiding content that shows opposition views or public dissent. Indirect pressure was reportedly applied during these interactions.

During local elections, posts on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook highlighting local issues or shortcomings of the ruling party could lead to negative publicity. The IB report suggested that opposition-raised issues might gain public support.

Based on this, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi is said to have informally tasked the Ahmedabad Crime Branch with monitoring election-related social media activity.

Social media influencers working in Ahmedabad were reportedly called in by the Crime Branch, where police inspectors reviewed their posts and pressured them not to share content that could harm the government’s image.

Influencers were also urged to post about government schemes and development work in Ahmedabad. Those who resisted were allegedly threatened that their social media accounts or YouTube channels could be struck or blocked by the police.

Authorities are yet to respond to these claims officially.