FIR Against Manish Kashyap, Three Others For Spreading Misinformation On Ethanol, Nitin Gadkari
FIR Against Manish Kashyap, Three Others For Spreading Misinformation On Ethanol, Nitin Gadkari Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 17:54 IST Gadkari strongly defended
FIR Against Manish Kashyap, Three Others For Spreading Misinformation On Ethanol, Nitin Gadkari Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 17:54 IST Gadkari strongly defended the rollout of E20 petrol (20% ethanol-blended fuel), challenging critics to identify "a single car" that had developed problems because of the fuel. The FIR stems from videos in which Manish Kashyap linked E20 petrol to mechanical issues in his Toyota Innova Hycross and questioned the government's ethanol push. (IMAGE: YouTube) The Nagpur Cyber Police on Tuesday filed a first information report (FIR) against YouTuber Manish Kashyap and three other influencers for allegedly spreading misleading information about ethanol-blended petrol, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and automaker Toyota. The case was registered on a complaint by Shishir Tripathi, city president of the BJP’s Social Media Cell. Police have launched an investigation under Sections 352, 356 and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. The FIR names Kashyap after he uploaded videos claiming his Toyota Innova Hycross developed breakdown-like issues because of E20 petrol, despite the model being officially compatible with fuel containing up to 20% ethanol.
In one video, Kashyap showed fuel samples collected from different parts of the vehicle’s fuel system and claimed they showed abnormal ethanol content and visible contamination. He also uploaded another video showing the vehicle’s fuel tank after it had been removed, claiming the fuel pump and filter assembly had been affected. Kashyap further questioned whether inspection, cleaning and replacement costs would be covered under the vehicle’s extended warranty if the issue was categorised as fuel contamination. Separately on Tuesday, Gadkari strongly defended the rollout of E20 petrol (20% ethanol-blended fuel), challenging critics to identify “a single car" that had developed problems because of the fuel. “There is no case of any car facing issues due to E20 petrol. Has there been any car in the country that faced issues due to the use of E20 petrol? Just name one," Gadkari said while addressing the Viksit Bharat Conclave. The Union minister further alleged that “false narratives" were being spread about the rollout of higher ethanol-blended petrol and claimed these were “paid campaigns".
Addressing the conclave, Gadkari said India’s dependence on fossil fuels remained an economic burden, noting that the country spends around Rs 22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports. He said expanding the use of cleaner fuels such as ethanol was essential to reducing crude oil imports and cutting carbon emissions. India has already achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol using ethanol produced from biomass such as sugarcane, corn and rice. The programme aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil while lowering carbon emissions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the penalties for spreading misinformation online? Penalties for spreading misinformation online can include the filing of a First Information Report (FIR). In the UAE, 35 individuals, including 19 Indians, were arrested for posting misleading videos. How does E20 petrol impact vehicle performance and warranty? The Indian government states that E20 petrol is safe for modern vehicles and does not void warranties. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari challenged critics to name a car that developed problems due to E20 petrol.
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