Gujarat Congress Leader Hitendra Pithadiya Arrested for Spreading False Content Targeting Ayodhya Ram Temple Priest Mohit Pandey

Ahmedabad: In a disturbing incident, obscene images falsely implicating Mohit Pandey, the recently appointed chief priest at Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, surfaced on social media. The misleading content, aimed at defaming Ayodhya, the temple, and the chief priest, was allegedly shared by Congress leader Hitendra Pithadiya. The intention behind sharing these images appears to be an orchestrated effort to tarnish the image of the revered temple and its chief priest.

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ANALYSIS: Misleading
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FACT: An obscene Image of a couple has been shared claiming to be of Mohit Pandey, who was recently selected as a priest in Ram Mandir Ayodhya. Upon research, we found that video on various porn website that features the same couple. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/qEOv41TmAz — D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) December 11, 2023

The controversial images, designed to resemble Mohit Pandey, led to public outrage, prompting calls for strict action against Hitendra Pithadiya. The Congress leader purportedly shared the objectionable content on his official social media account. The police have initiated an inquiry and registered a complaint against Pithadiya in connection with the matter.

It is crucial to note that videos featuring the same couple are found on a pornographic website; however, the person involved is not Mohit Pandey. The false narrative surrounding the chief priest has triggered concerns about the malicious use of misleading content to harm the reputation of religious figures.

In response to the incident, Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Prashant Umaro stated, "Congress leader Hitendra Pithadiya made a fake video viral by pretending to be a priest of Ram Mandir and was arrested." Umaro further claimed that Pithadiya has been arrested by the Gujarat Police under IPC sections 469, 509, 295A, and the IT Act.

#राममंदिर के पुजारी बताकर फ़र्ज़ी वीडियो वायरल करने वाले कांग्रेस नेता हितेन्द्र पिठाड़िया की गिरफ़्तारी हुई।

IPC 469, 509,IPC 295A और IT act के अंतर्गत मामला दर्ज। pic.twitter.com/MIKcyFeXAw — Prashant Umrao (@ippatel) December 12, 2023

Mohit Pandey, a student of Doodheshwar Nath Ved Vidya Peeth, earned the prestigious position of chief priest at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Out of approximately 3000 interviews conducted for priests, 20 were selected, including Mohit. All selected priests will undergo six months of training before assuming their roles.

The incident highlights the growing concern of the misuse of digital platforms to spread false and defamatory information, especially targeting revered figures and religious institutions.