Avinash Azad
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have refuted media reports claiming that a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against former IPS officer Basant Rath for allegedly using “derogatory” language against the Lieutenant Governor and the Director General of Police on social media.
Earlier, Gulistan News TV published a report stating that an FIR had been lodged at Police Station Gandhi Nagar, Jammu (FIR No. 68/2025) under Sections 353(2) and 351(3) of the Indian Penal Code, accusing the retired officer of posting “offensive and disrespectful remarks” on his official X (Twitter) account. The outlet claimed the comments targeted senior officers in the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
However, the claim has been found to be false. In an official clarification issued on X (formerly Twitter), Superintendent of Police (SP) Jammu South, Dr. Ajay Sharma, categorically denied the report, stating: “There is no FIR registered today against the Retd IPS officer Basant Rath at PS Gandhi Nagar as being carried by some section of media. Please ignore.” The statement effectively dismisses the circulating report, which had gained traction across several digital news platforms and social media users earlier in the day.
Misreporting Sparks Online Confusion
The false report led to widespread speculation on social media, with users debating whether the former IPS officer, known for his outspoken commentary on public issues, had once again drawn legal action.
The clarification by SP Dr. Ajay Sharma now confirms that no such FIR exists, and that the reports were unfounded and misleading.
Basant Rath, a 2000-batch IPS officer of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre, served in key positions including IGP (Traffic) and DIG South Kashmir, and has often been in the media spotlight for his blunt and unconventional style of public engagement.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have not registered any FIR against Basant Rath as of October 28, 2025.
