Misleading video case: Kishwar may face stricter action for skipping probe, say police

Chandigarh: Social activist and writer Madhu Kishwar may face stricter legal action in a case related to alleged sharing of a misleading and objectionable video on social media, after she failed to join the investigation despite repeated notices, police said.Sector 26 police said an investigation team visited Kishwar's residence on Thursday to serve a summons, but she was not present. Another notice will be issued asking her to join the probe.Police said five summons have been issued since the case was registered, but Kishwar has not appeared before the investigating officer. Officials said her statement and electronic evidence are crucial for the probe.Kishwar had earlier moved an anticipatory bail plea in a UT district court, which was rejected. She later approached the Punjab and Haryana high court, where she also failed to secure relief.Police officials said continued non-cooperation could invite stricter legal steps under due process. The investigating agency may also seek to seize the electronic device allegedly used to share the video.Legal experts said that if an accused does not join the probe despite repeated summons and lacks anticipatory bail protection, the police can seek further action with court approval, depending on the evidence and progress of the case.The case stems from a complaint received by Chandigarh Police on April 19, 2026, alleging circulation of "forged and misleading" social media posts and video clips with obscene content, falsely identifying the person in the video.The complainant alleged the posts were intended to "harm the reputation of a constitutional authority", while the person in the video was actually a travel vlogger. During preliminary inquiry, the vlogger's wife confirmed that the individual seen in the video was her husband.Following verification, Sector 26 police on April 20 registered a case under provisions of the BNS, including charges related to promoting enmity, cheating, forgery and defamation, along with Sections 66C, 66D and 67 of the IT Act, against Madhu Kishwar and other social media accounts named in the complaint.