HP Police Books Kangana Ranaut Over Posts Against Gandhi Family

Himachal Police register an FIR against BJP MP Kangana Ranaut over social media posts targeting the Gandhi family. The complaint alleges inflammatory remarks and seeks a cyber-forensic probe.

Post Published By: DN Bureau
Updated : 14 November 2026, 12:53 PM IST
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New Delhi: Police in Himachal Pradesh have filed an FIR against actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut over her social media comments about the Gandhi family. The action followed a complaint lodged in Shimla, which alleged that her posts were provocative and could create tensions and disrupt public order.

The FIR was filed on Friday, November 13, based on a complaint submitted by retired Captain Atul Sharma, a resident of Shimla. The complaint relates to posts shared by Ranaut through her verified social media account on November 10.

Complaint Flags Remarks on Gandhi Family

According to the complainant, Ranaut's posts contained objectionable insinuations about the deaths of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her sons, Sanjay Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Sharma also raised objections to references concerning Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, who was allegedly described in the posts as a "mysterious foreign national".

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The complaint claimed that the social media content suggested a connection between Sonia Gandhi's arrival at a cafe abroad, the subsequent deaths of members of the Gandhi family and her eventual rise to a position of political prominence. The post reportedly concluded with the remark, "How convenient."

The complainant also objected to references about Maneka Gandhi allegedly leaving the family residence following the death of Sanjay Gandhi.

FIR Registered Under BNS Provisions

The Shimla Police registered the case under Sections 196(1), 353(2)and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These provisions relate to promoting enmity, statements contributing to public mischief and defamation.

Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed the registration of the FIR and said the matter would be investigated. In his complaint addressed to the Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police, Sharma sought immediate legal action and a time-bound cyber-forensic examination of the disputed social media content.

He argued that the remarks went beyond political criticism and could potentially encourage hostility, affect communal harmony and disturb public tranquillity.

Archival Video Triggered Social Media Discussion

The controversy emerged after an old family video, reportedly dating back to around 1981, resurfaced online. The footage featured Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Maneka Gandhi and young Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi during a family gathering.

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Ranaut's social media remarks appeared on November 10, the same day Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, was released.

Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. The allegations against Ranaut remain subject to investigation, and no conclusion has been established regarding the claims made in the complaint.

Location :  New Delhi

Published :  14 November 2026, 12:53 PM IST

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