Maharashtra Cyber Cell Files FIR Against Wikipedia Over ‘Misleading’ Edits On Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has registered a case against Wikipedia for allegedly publishing controversial and misleading information about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. An FIR has been filed against 4-5 Wikipedia editors who, despite repeated requests from the Cyber Cell, failed to remove the disputed content or respond to legal notices.

Cyber Cell sources revealed that authorities had sent 15 emails to Wikipedia, requesting the removal of incorrect content related to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. However, Wikipedia neither responded nor took any corrective action.

Following this continued inaction, the Cyber Cell registered a case under Sections 69 and 79 of the IT Act. The complaint was filed after a user discovered derogatory and false statements on Wikipedia’s page about Sambhaji Maharaj, including:

"Noted for his addiction to sensual pleasures, he was confined by his father at Panhala Fort."

"In 1683, he invaded Portuguese Goa, during which Maratha soldiers raped Christian women and later sold captured men and women to Arabs and the Dutch."

The complainant argued that these statements were historically inaccurate, defamatory, and intended to create communal disharmony. It was alleged that an editor with the username "Ratnahastin" made these malicious edits, which could incite hatred and lead to social unrest.

The controversy erupted following the release of the film 'Chhava', based on Sambhaji Maharaj’s life. Reacting to the issue, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis ordered the Cyber Cell to investigate. After Wikipedia ignored multiple email requests over three days, the Cyber Cell proceeded with legal action.

The complainant has filed a legal complaint against the Wikipedia editor "Ratnahastin", accusing them of spreading misinformation and attempting to disturb communal harmony. Authorities are now examining the editor's activity and tracking potential violations under cyber laws. Further investigation into the case is ongoing.