Rajasthan: 10 arrested for ‘spreading rumours’ about LPG, petrol shortage

Ten social media influencers were arrested by police in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district for allegedly spreading false rumours about petrol, diesel and LPG shortages , officials said, amid heightened sensitivity over energy supplies. The accused were released after completing legal formalities and made to delete all misleading content , police added.

Police later released videos showing the influencers apologising , with some seen asking for forgiveness with folded hands and admitting they posted the reels after watching similar online clips. In those videos, they acknowledged that there was no actual shortage of fuel and urged the public not to believe or share unverified information.

Bhilwara Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh said the action was taken after monitoring social media for misleading posts that were creating fear and confusion. Officials said the 10 accounts were identified as spreading misinformation to increase followers and views , and the police cyber cell acted swiftly once the posts were detected.

Among those held were the operators of “Berozgaar Boyzz”, a popular Instagram handle with over 1.4 million followers , and other influencers who allegedly used humour or dramatic narratives to generate engagement. Some of the misleading reels even included exaggerated claims such as people planning for war‑like conditions due to fuel scarcity, which police dismissed as baseless.

The arrests took place on Tuesday across different police station limits. Singh reiterated that the government has repeatedly clarified there is no shortage of LPG cylinders or fuel supplies in the country , despite global tensions affecting energy markets, and warned that strict legal action will be taken against those spreading rumours . Authorities continue to monitor social media platforms to prevent panic based on unverified posts.