Sambhal Police Arrest Instagram Influencers Mehak and Pari Over Obscene Content

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh — July 16, 2025: In a firm move against vulgarity on social media, Uttar Pradesh Police arrested two Instagram influencers Mehak and Pari (alias Nisha), for allegedly posting obscene content to gain views and followers. The arrests were made on Monday night, following complaints from angry villagers in Shahbazpur village, located under Asmoli police station limits.

Why Were They Arrested?

According to the First Information Report (FIR), Mehak and Pari, along with two other unnamed team members, were booked for creating and circulating videos that used vulgar language, sexually suggestive gestures, and profanities. Their content, mostly shared through Instagram reels, reportedly violated Section 296B of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and various sections of the Information Technology Act.

“They were crossing all limits of decency. Their language, gestures, and visuals were completely inappropriate and caused a public outcry,” said Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Bishnoi.

Instagram Accounts Under Scrutiny

A quick search on Instagram reveals multiple accounts under names like @mehakpari143, which had close to 4.8 lakh followers. These profiles contained numerous videos related to sex education topics, casual obscenities, and adult humor — all allegedly framed to attract a young and impressionable audience.

While Instagram has removed some of these accounts following legal orders, several mirror accounts and reposted videos were still visible as of Wednesday evening (July 16).

The Motive? Money and Fame

Police investigations revealed that Mehak and Pari were earning between ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month through their Instagram content. The lure of quick income reportedly pushed them into producing bolder and increasingly vulgar content to boost engagement.

“Tempted by this income, they resorted to using vulgar language and obscene visuals to attract viewers and gain cheap popularity,” a police official explained.

Public Backlash and Police Action

Locals from Shahbazpur were reportedly angered by the influencers’ behavior, particularly as the videos were being made in public spaces and shared openly. Villagers filed multiple complaints, prompting the police to investigate and take legal action.

“There was a lot of anger among villagers. After their complaint, we acted immediately,” said SP Bishnoi.

The police have emphasized that this arrest should serve as a warning to other influencers who misuse their online reach.

“All those who spread obscenity to gain cheap popularity on Instagram are requested not to do such things. The police will not hesitate to take strict legal action,” SP Bishnoi added.

Legal Charges Filed

The FIR filed on Sunday evening includes charges under:

• Section 296B of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Relating to singing, reciting, or uttering any obscene song, ballad, or words in or near a public place.
• Relevant sections of the IT Act: For publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.

These charges could lead to fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

The Larger Conversation: Content vs. Responsibility

This case has once again highlighted the blurred lines between content creation and accountability in India’s rapidly growing influencer space. While social media platforms offer creative freedom, misuse of that freedom for personal gain can result in legal consequences.

As the digital landscape evolves, it’s clear that content creators are no longer beyond the reach of law enforcement, especially when public decency is compromised.

The arrests of Mehak and Pari send a strong message to the influencer community: virality should not come at the cost of public decency and the law. The case also underscores the importance of ethical content creation in a digital world that thrives on attention.