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.
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.
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.