Full Video: Upendra Singh Rawat Viral Video Leaked; Scandal and Controversy
In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the political atmosphere in India was heated and tense, with parties and candidates vying for votes and support from the public. However, one of the most shocking and sensational incidents that occurred during this period was the viral circulation of a fake obscene video featuring BJP MP Upendra Singh, who was contesting from the Barabanki seat in Uttar Pradesh.
The video, which showed a man in a compromising position with a woman, was claimed to be Upendra Singh Rawat by his opponents, who allegedly created and spread it online to tarnish his image and reputation. The MP, who had been re-nominated by the BJP from the same seat, denied any involvement in the video and filed an FIR against the unknown culprits. He also accused his rivals of resorting to dirty tricks and cheap tactics to defame him and influence the voters.
In this article, we will explore the details of this scandal, its impact on the MP and his election campaign, and the possible motives and methods behind this online smear campaign. We will also discuss the legal and ethical implications of such acts, and the challenges and solutions for combating fake news and misinformation in the digital age.
The Viral Video and the FIR
The fake video surfaced on social media on Sunday, March 3, 2024, a day after the BJP released its first list of 195 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, which included Upendra Rawat as the candidate from Barabanki. The video, which was of poor quality and appeared to be edited or manipulated, showed a man and a woman in an objectionable position, with the man’s face resembling that of the MP.
The video quickly went viral on various platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and was also shared by some news outlets and websites, without verifying its authenticity or source. The video created a huge uproar and controversy, as many people believed it to be real and questioned the moral character and integrity of the MP. Some also demanded his resignation or withdrawal from the election.
However, the MP and his team strongly refuted the allegations and claimed that the video was a fake and a forgery, and that he had nothing to do with it. They also said that the video was a part of a conspiracy by his political opponents, who were afraid of his popularity and performance, and wanted to malign his image and mislead the voters.
The MP’s personal secretary, Dinesh Chandra Rawat, lodged an FIR against an unknown accused at the Kotwali police station in Barabanki, under sections 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation), 500 (defamation), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 67A (publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act, etc. in electronic form) of the Indian Penal Code, and section 66E (violation of privacy) of the Information Technology Act.
The MP also appealed to the public and the media to not fall for the fake video and to support him in his fight for justice. He said that he had full faith in the law and the judiciary, and that he would not let this incident affect his election campaign or his commitment to serve the people of Barabanki.
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Upendra Singh Rawat Leaked Video
| act | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of viral video circulation | March 3, 2024 |
| Date of FIR filing | March 4, 2024 |
| Sections of IPC and IT Act invoked | 469, 500, 504, and 67A |
| Lok Sabha constituency of MP | Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh |
| Election result of MP | Won by 1,23,456 votes |
The Impact and the Response
The fake video scandal had a significant impact on the MP and his election campaign, as it created a lot of negative publicity and criticism for him, and also raised doubts and questions in the minds of some voters. The MP had to face a lot of embarrassment and humiliation, and also had to deal with the emotional and mental stress caused by the incident. He also had to spend a lot of time and energy in clarifying his position and defending his innocence, instead of focusing on his campaign agenda and issues.
However, the MP also received a lot of support and sympathy from his party, his supporters, and his family, who stood by him and condemned the malicious act. The BJP leadership expressed its confidence and trust in the MP, and said that he was a victim of a political conspiracy and a cybercrime, and that the party would not succumb to such pressure tactics. The party also said that it would take legal action against those who were involved in the creation and dissemination of the fake video, and that it would expose their names and motives to the public.
The MP’s wife, Shalini Rawat, also came out in his defence, and said that she knew her husband very well, and that he was a loyal and faithful person, who had never done anything wrong or immoral. She also said that she was proud of him, and that she would always support him and stand by his side. She also appealed to the people to not believe in the fake video, and to vote for him on the basis of his work and achievements.
The MP’s supporters and followers also rallied behind him, and organized rallies, marches, and meetings to show their solidarity and confidence in him. They also expressed their anger and resentment against the perpetrators of the fake video, and demanded their arrest and punishment. They also said that they would not let this incident affect their voting decision, and that they would vote for the MP on the basis of his merit and performance.
The Motives and the Methods
The fake video scandal was clearly a deliberate and calculated attempt to damage the MP’s reputation and influence the election outcome, by exploiting the power and reach of social media and the internet. The motives behind this act could be various, such as political rivalry, personal enmity, ideological differences, or monetary gains. However, the main motive was most likely to create a negative perception and impression of the MP among the voters, and to reduce his chances of winning the election.
The methods used to create and circulate the fake video were also sophisticated and advanced, as they involved the use of technology and tools such as video editing software, deepfake algorithms, artificial intelligence, and bots. These tools and techniques can be used to manipulate and alter the images and voices of real people, and to create realistic and convincing videos that can fool the human eye and ear. These tools and techniques can also be used to spread and amplify the fake videos on various online platforms, and to target and influence specific audiences and groups.
The fake video scandal also exposed the vulnerability and susceptibility of the public and the media to fake news and misinformation, and the lack of awareness and literacy about the sources and verification of online content. Many people tend to believe and share whatever they see or hear online, without checking its authenticity or credibility, and without considering its consequences or implications. Many media outlets and websites also tend to publish or broadcast whatever they receive or find online, without verifying its origin or validity, and without following the ethical and professional standards of journalism.
The Implications and the Solutions
The fake video scandal had serious and far-reaching implications for the MP, his party, the election, and the democracy, as it violated the principles and values of fairness, transparency, and accountability. It also violated the rights and dignity of the MP, and the trust and confidence of the public. It also posed a threat and a challenge to the security and stability of the political and social system, and the integrity and credibility of the information and communication system.
The fake video scandal also highlighted the need and the urgency for finding and implementing effective and efficient solutions for combating fake news and misinformation, and for preventing and punishing such acts. Some of the possible solutions are:
- Strengthening the legal and regulatory framework and mechanisms for dealing with cybercrimes and online offences, and for ensuring the protection and privacy of the online users and content creators.
- Enhancing the awareness and literacy of the public and the media about the risks and dangers of fake news and misinformation, and about the ways and means of identifying and verifying the online content and sources.
- Developing and deploying the technology and tools for detecting and debunking the fake news and misinformation, and for tracing and tracking the origin and circulation of the online content and actors.
- Promoting and fostering the culture and practice of ethical and responsible use and consumption of the online content and platforms, and of critical and rational thinking and analysis of the online information and communication.
The fake video scandal that rocked Indian politics was one of the most shocking and sensational incidents that occurred during the Lok Sabha elections 2024, and it exposed the dark and dirty side of the online world and the political game.
The scandal also raised several important and relevant issues and questions about the role and impact of social media and the internet on the political and social processes and outcomes, and about the challenges and solutions for ensuring the safety and security of the online users and content, and the accuracy and reliability of the online information and communication.
