Four social media influencers, including YouTuber Manish Kashyap, have been booked by the Nagpur Cyber Police over videos and posts related to the Centre's E20 fuel policy.

The FIR alleges that the creators circulated misleading claims about ethanol-blended petrol while falsely linking Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to the controversy, allegedly damaging his public image.

The complaint was filed by Shishir Tripathi, who heads the BJP's social media unit in Nagpur.

According to the police, the content shared by the influencers contained unverified allegations, distorted facts, and abusive remarks that could mislead the public.

Investigators also claim the videos were designed to generate engagement on social media by fuelling confusion around the E20 fuel programme.

Who are the four influencers?

Manish Kashyap: The Bihar-based YouTuber is among the most prominent names in the case.

Police have referred to a video uploaded on his YouTube channel earlier this month, alleging it contained misleading information about E20 fuel and wrongly portrayed Gadkari's role in the government's ethanol-blending initiative.

Desi Boys (Instagram handle: @desi_boysncr)

The popular Instagram page has also been named in the FIR.

Authorities allege it published content repeating misleading claims about E20 fuel and amplified criticism targeting the Union minister without factual backing.

Harshit Rathi

Harshit Rathi is another content creator booked in the case. According to the complaint, his posts allegedly included objectionable language against Gadkari while promoting misinformation surrounding the E20 policy.

Ankleash Invatee

Ankleash Invatee is the fourth influencer named in the FIR. Police allege the creator shared content that spread false narratives about E20 fuel and contributed to defaming the Union minister.

What is the E20 fuel controversy?

E20 is a fuel blend containing 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. The Centre has been promoting it as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, cut emissions and support India's sugarcane and biofuel sectors.

However, the policy has also triggered debate, with some social media users raising concerns over vehicle compatibility, mileage and engine performance.

Police allege that instead of presenting verified information, the accused influencers circulated misleading claims that created unnecessary panic and unfairly targeted Gadkari, who has been one of the government's strongest advocates of ethanol-blended fuel.

An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been reported so far.