Naveen Payal, who runs a social media page and regularly posts on social and political issues, said the RSS was sowing ‘seeds of hatred’ among children
NEW DELHI — A political row has erupted in Rajasthan after a 25-year-old Instagram content creator from Jhunjhunu district was detained and his mobile phone seized over a video critical of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The influencer said that the organisation was sowing ‘seeds of hatred’ among children.
Naveen Payal, who runs a social media page and regularly posts on social and political issues, was taken into custody by Jhunjhunu police after sharing a video that showed an RSS shakha on one side of a field as children were engaged in some activities nearby.
The detention quickly triggered a backlash from Congress leaders, who accused the state government of using police action to silence criticism of the RSS.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate shared the video on social media and questioned why simply sharing a video had led to an arrest. Referring to the footage, she said it merely showed an RSS shakha on one side and children working hard on a playground on the other. “What’s wrong in showing this?” she asked, while accusing the RSS of spreading hatred and division.
Congress leader and lawyer Ajay Sharma also criticised the detention, saying that if posting a video exposing the “true face” of the RSS was considered a crime, Congress workers would continue to commit that “crime” repeatedly. Referring to the footage, Sharma said it showed an RSS gathering on one side and children shaping the country’s future through sports and hard work on the other.
Questioning the arrest, he asked what offence Naveen had committed by sharing such a video. “Mobiles can be seized through arrests, but voices cannot be silenced. Speaking the truth is not a crime; it is the right of democracy,” Sharma said.
Girish Kumar Sharma, state Vice President of the Rajasthan Congress’ Social Media and Digital Platforms wing, questioned whether speaking the truth could now land a person in jail. Referring to Naveen’s arrest, he alleged that the influencer had simply expressed his views on the RSS and was detained for doing so.
“Can you suppress the truth through intimidation and threats?” Sharma asked, directing his remarks at the state government and questioning what he described as its apparent fear of criticism.
The incident has sparked concerns regarding free expression, political criticism and the limits of dissent in the digital age.
The seizure of Naveen’s phone and his detention have continued to draw criticism online, with many questioning whether criticism of organisations like that of RSS can be treated as a law and order issue.
As the controversy grows, opposition leaders are demanding an explanation from the Rajasthan government and calling for safeguards to ensure that criticism, however uncomfortable, is not met with punitive action.
