24 Arrested, Folk Singer Neha Singh Rathore Charged for Provocative Posts After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, the Uttar Pradesh Police have taken swift action against individuals accused of posting provocative content on social media. At least 24 people have been arrested across the state for sharing messages that authorities say threatened national unity and incited communal disharmony. Among those charged is well-known Bhojpuri folk singer and poetess Neha Singh Rathore, who faces serious allegations, including sedition, for her social media posts following the attack. The crackdown highlights the government’s efforts to curb divisive rhetoric during a time of national mourning.

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred in the scenic Baisaran Valley, was carried out by terrorists who reportedly asked victims about their religious affiliation before targeting Hindus, according to statements from victims’ families. The brutality of the attack, which left the nation in grief, prompted heightened sensitivity to public discourse. In Lucknow, a complaint was filed by Abhay Pratap Singh at the Hazratganj police station, accusing Rathore of using her X handle,
@nehafolksinger to make “objectionable” remarks that targeted a specific religious community. Singh claimed that Rathore’s posts, made during a period of national outrage, sought to “incite one community against another,” undermining India’s unity and public peace.

In one of her posts on April 23, 2025, Rathore questioned the narrative surrounding the attack, writing, “Why this selective outrage? Are the lives of people from a particular faith less valuable? Hatred has no religion, but unfortunately, some are using religion to spread hatred openly. Justice for all innocent lives lost—not just slogans, but actions.” In another post, she added, “Silence in the face of such tragedies deepens divisions. Hypocrisy and hate crimes must be called out, regardless of the faith of the victims or the perpetrators.” The complainant argued that these remarks, along with others, had the potential to disturb communal harmony and endanger India’s sovereignty.

Additionally, a video posted by Rathore on April 25, which was reposted by a Pakistani journalists’ group, alleged that the attack was an intelligence failure and accused the government of politicizing the tragedy for electoral gains, comparing it to the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Based on the complaint, the Uttar Pradesh Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Rathore on April 27, 2025, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the new criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code. She faces charges under Section 152, which addresses acts endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity, as well as sections related to promoting enmity between religious groups and disturbing public order. Rathore was also booked under the Information Technology Act for her online activity. The FIR includes 11 sections of the BNS, reflecting the severity of the allegations. Authorities noted that her posts were amplified by Pakistani media, raising concerns about their impact on national security.

Rathore, a political satirist known for songs like “Bihar Mein Ka Ba” and “UP Mein Ka Ba,” has faced similar controversies in the past. In 2023, she was served a police notice for her song “UP Mein Ka Ba—Season 2,” which criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, and faced charges for posting a caricature related to a Madhya Pradesh incident. In response to the FIR, Rathore posted on X on April 28, 2025, saying, “What has the government done so far in response to the Pahalgam attack? An FIR against me? If you have the guts, go bring the heads of the terrorists.” She accused the government of diverting attention from “real issues” and appealed for legal help, stating she lacked funds to hire a lawyer. Her posts have drawn both support and criticism, with some defending her right to question the government and others condemning her remarks as insensitive.

The arrests extend beyond Rathore, with at least 24 individuals detained in Uttar Pradesh for similar offenses. In Madhya Pradesh, four people, including a college lecturer, were arrested for inflammatory posts, while Assam and Tripura reported six and four arrests, respectively, for content allegedly supporting Pakistan or inciting tensions. These actions reflect a broader crackdown on social media following the Pahalgam attack, with authorities urging citizens to report provocative content. The Uttar Pradesh Police have emphasized that such posts threaten public tranquility at a time when the nation seeks unity against terrorism.

As investigations continue, the arrests and charges against individuals like Rathore underscore the challenges of balancing free speech with national security in the digital age. The nation remains on edge, mourning the loss of lives while grappling with the aftermath of divisive online rhetoric.