New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh’s based social media influencer Ishita Pundeer’s controversial remark over an Indian Army officer has landed her in a major controversy. An FIR has been filed against the influencer who is a resident of the Solan-Nahan region and an investigation has been initiated.
The incident has sparked a new debate about the responsibility of expression on social media and commenting on sensitive issues.
‘Questioning fidelity to wife’
It is alleged that the influencer had said in a video that no matter how loyal army personnel are to the country, they are not loyal to their wives or other women. She said, “Army men are not loyal to their girlfriends or their wives. They are definitely loyal to their nation, but they can never be loyal to their girlfriends or their wives. I’ve heard of many such cases and girls will agree with me, as 90 per cent of them are not loyal. I am not talking about all of them. Though I have not had any such experience, when they come on leave they have four or five girlfriends.”
The statement has sparked a sharp reaction on social media, with a large number of people calling the comment an insult to the honour of the army and demanding strict action. As the matter escalated, she even apologised publicly. She stated she had not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments and that she regretted any hurt her remark had caused. However, the controversy did not subside despite the apology, and an official complaint has been filed against her.
She has more than 3.5 million followers on Facebook and 10.9 lakh followers on Instagram. She is known for her Pahadi style creator profile, as she has displayed various aspects of Pahadi life in her content.
FIR against Ishita Pudeer
Congress leader Yadopati Thakur filed the complaint with the Sirmaur Superintendent of Police and sought action against her. In his letter, he described the statement as serious, following which the police registered a case and began an investigation.
Police officials revealed that they have clubbed all the complaints and are investigating the matter. They ensured that further action would be taken based on the investigation.