Instagram came under fire after a Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) of God Shiva holding a glass of wine and a mobile phone in his hands appeared on the platform's story section. Accusing Instagram of hurting the feelings of the Hindu community, a Delhi resident who is also a leading member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed a complaint against the social media platform.
The plaintiff, Manish Singh, also took to Twitter and said that he will launch a protest and a sit-down demonstration at Instagram’s office if the stickers are not removed immediately and he has demanded an apology from Instagram.
इंस्टाग्राम अपनी औकात में रहे देवनिंदा नही सहेगा हिन्दुस्तान।
— Manish Singh (@MSinghBJP) June 8, 2021
भारत माता की जय।🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/QQ8FA3XXrS
He also shared a copy of his objections against Instagram on the micro-blogging site. Singh wrote in his complaint that the accused - Instagram - is deliberately and intentionally hurting the feelings and sentiments of Hindus with this GIF and its tasteless portrayal of Lord Shiva.
ये @instagram का साहस देखिए। महादेव की तस्वीर को किस रूप में दिखा रहा है, एक हाथ मे शराब और दूसरे हाथ में मोबाईल। इंस्टाग्राम को इसका परिणाम भुगतना पड़ेगा। @DelhiPolice को इस मामले की शिकायत की है, और आवश्यकता पड़ने पर इंस्टाग्राम के कार्यालय पर भी धावा बोला जाएगा। @rsprasad pic.twitter.com/raG0iXE7s8
— Manish Singh (@MSinghBJP) June 8, 2021
A senior police official told Sputnik that the complaint has been recorded but no First Information Report has been registered yet.
"We have received the complaint and an inquiry is underway. We will verify the complaint and take action after our investigation. As of now, no FIR has been registered," the police official told Sputnik
Meanwhile, several users took to Twitter to express their disgust about the new GIF that appeared on Instagram.
What the hell is going on is every body seeing these People what type of picture Insta team using in reels for Lord Shiva.
— Amardeep Tanwar (@AmardeepTanwar7) June 8, 2021
India goverment please take action else we need to go to court. #Instagram #MarkZuckerberg #PMOIndia #AmitShah #BJP4India #BJP4UP #CMYogiAdityanath pic.twitter.com/pd0ciKCLG4
This shiva sticker on Instagram disrespects hindu God Shiv ji.@instagram is islamgram? pic.twitter.com/VSt1W27A9R
— Shahcastic - Mota bhai 😎 (@shahcastic) June 8, 2021
When You Search "SHIVA" On Instagram GIF#HinduphoicInstagram
— 𝙰𝚛𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚊 𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚑 (@_arpitasng) June 8, 2021
Insulting our lord shiva😑😑😤 pic.twitter.com/EUg4OMtMl7