Who is Neha Singh Rathore? Neha Singh Rathore faces sedition charges over comments about the Pahalgam attack
In a major development shaking the entertainment and political world, Bhojpuri folk singer and political satirist Neha Singh Rathore has been booked under sedition charges. The controversy erupted following her social media posts regarding the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attacks, which have now drawn serious legal action against her. The case against her has brought to light issues around free speech, national security, and the power of social media in contemporary India.
This article provides a detailed, fact-checked, and comprehensive overview of who Neha Singh Rathore is, what led to the charges against her, and the broader implications of this unfolding situation.
Who is Neha Singh Rathore?
Neha Singh Rathore, born in 1997 in Jandaha, Bihar, is a renowned Bhojpuri singer, political satirist, and folk artist. She grew up in a modest family that deeply valued education and culture.
After completing her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from Kanpur University in 2018, Neha began uploading Bhojpuri folk songs on social media platforms like Facebook. With a mobile phone as her first tool, she gradually built a strong online presence.
Citing literary legends like Bhikhari Thakur and Mahendar Misir as her inspirations, Neha's music often touches upon the daily struggles of common people, particularly workers, women, and the marginalized sections of society.
Rise to Fame
Neha's breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As millions of migrant workers faced hardships during the nationwide lockdown, she used her platform to highlight their struggles through emotionally charged songs.
Some of her most notable songs include:
"Bihar Mein Ka Ba" (2020): Addressed the issues plaguing workers during the Bihar Assembly elections."UP Mein Ka Ba?" (2022): Critiqued governance in Uttar Pradesh, discussing COVID-19 mismanagement, Lakhimpur Kheri violence, and Hathras case.
"UP Mein Ka Ba? Session-2" (2023): Focused on police brutality and government apathy.
"MP Mein Ka Ba?" (2023): Released after the urination incident in Madhya Pradesh, questioning law and order in the state.
Her bold takes and candid songs quickly attracted a massive following. Today, she boasts over 1.45 million subscribers on YouTube, along with significant presence on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
Earlier Controversies
Neha Singh Rathore is no stranger to controversy. She has previously been served police notices and faced legal complaints, particularly concerning her songs that criticize political leaders and governance in various states.
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In February 2023, Neha received a notice from the Uttar Pradesh police over her song "UP Mein Ka Ba? Season-2".
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In July 2023, a case was filed against her for posting a caricature related to the urination incident in Madhya Pradesh.
Despite repeated legal troubles, Neha maintained that her work falls under artistic expression and freedom of speech, emphasizing her right to question those in power.
What Happened at Pahalgam?
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, left 26 civilians dead. The attack sparked outrage across India, with political leaders and citizens mourning the tragic loss.
Security agencies launched a massive investigation into the attack, terming it one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in recent years.
Neha Singh Rathore's Social Media Posts
Following the Pahalgam incident, Neha posted a series of critical messages on X (Twitter), where she questioned the government's ability to protect citizens. Some of her key statements included:
- Accusing the Modi government of focusing on caste and religious politics rather than governance.
- Alleging a "massive intelligence and security failure" behind the Pahalgam tragedy.
- Suggesting that the government might attempt to use the Pahalgam incident for electoral gains, similar to how she alleged the Pulwama attack was politicized.
In a video message, she stated:
"What should I question the government about? Issues of education and health are no longer relevant. People are being killed despite the politics of nationalism, and Hindu-Muslim tensions are at their peak."
These statements, which went viral within hours, triggered strong reactions from various political groups.
The Legal Complaint and Charges
A complaint was filed by Abhay Pratap Singh in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, accusing Neha of:
- Making anti-national statements.
- Provoking communal tensions.
- Disrespecting the sacrifices of security forces.
Following the complaint, an FIR (First Information Report) was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Promoting enmity between different groups.
- Acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
- Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred, or ill-will between classes.
- Endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Additionally, she was booked under sections of the Information Technology Act concerning the spread of offensive and harmful content online.
Reactions to the Controversy
Public and Media Response
The case quickly grabbed media attention, leading to a divided response:
- Supporters of Neha Singh Rathore argue that her posts are within the bounds of free speech and artistic expression.
- Critics say her posts could hurt national sentiments, especially during a time of national mourning.
Several civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians have come forward to question the use of sedition laws in this context.
Political Statements
While BJP leaders have defended the police action, opposition parties like the Congress, RJD, and Samajwadi Party have criticized the charges as an "attack on dissent".
Legal Experts' Opinions
Prominent legal experts point out that sedition laws must be applied carefully and only in cases where there is actual incitement to violence. In Neha's case, many legal scholars believe that while her comments were provocative, they may not meet the high threshold required for sedition.
What Happens Next?
As of April 28, 2025:
- Neha Singh Rathore has not been arrested yet but has been issued a notice to appear before investigating officers.
- Her legal team is preparing to challenge the FIR in court.
- A growing number of public interest litigations (PILs) have been filed questioning the constitutional validity of the charges.
Legal proceedings are expected to be closely watched, given the sensitive balance between national security concerns and freedom of expression.
A Broader Debate on Free Speech
Neha's case reignites the ongoing debate in India over the use of sedition laws. Many observers note that:
- Artistic and political expressions are increasingly scrutinized.
- Social media, while democratizing voices, has also heightened tensions.
- The judiciary’s role becomes crucial in upholding democratic rights without compromising national integrity.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, but it is subject to reasonable restrictions. The courts will ultimately decide whether Neha’s posts fall within those limits.
The sedition charges against Neha Singh Rathore following her posts about the Pahalgam attacks have ignited a national conversation about free speech, political dissent, and national security. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this case will set new precedents for freedom of expression in India.
At its core, Neha's story reflects the complexities of being a politically outspoken artist in today's India — celebrated by many, criticized by others, but impossible to ignore.
Stay tuned for more verified updates on this developing story only on TheTrendingPeople.com.
Sources:
- NDTV
- Times of India
- Indian Express
- Legal Experts' Public Interviews
- Government of India Official Statements
