New Delhi- The National Commission for Women (NCW) has deleted the tweet in which it had announced taking suo motu cognizance of the fake sex racket report against folk singer Neha Singh Rathore. The related Facebook post has also been removed. Following this development, Neha has released videos and statements strongly questioning the Commission, alleging that it is acting under pressure.

On 17 October, ABP News’ digital platform published a short video/report of about nine seconds. The headline linked Neha Singh Rathore to an alleged sex racket in a hostel and claimed that the police had conducted a raid. Her photograph was also used in the report.

Neha immediately protested against the story. She alleged that the channel had deliberately attempted to character-assassinate her by portraying her as a “call girl” and “prostitute.” She termed it “supari journalism” (paid character assassination).

After strong public criticism and widespread backlash on social media, ABP News admitted that the report was factually incorrect and issued an apology. The channel also terminated three of its digital staff members. However, Neha rejected the apology, stating: “Screenshots of their fake news will always remain online and will keep being used against me. Will their apology compensate for this damage? I do not want an apology; I want justice.”

NCW’s Suo Motu Cognizance and Subsequent Deletion of Tweet

On 19 October, the National Commission for Women took suo motu cognizance of the matter. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, directing it to instruct regulatory and self-regulatory bodies such as the Press Council of India, EMMC, NBDA and DPCGC to take immediate and time-bound action under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The Commission also sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) within 15 days.

Now, more than 17 days later, the Commission’s tweet and Facebook post announcing the suo motu cognizance have been deleted. Neha has raised strong objections through multiple videos and posts on 4 and 5 November.

In one video, Neha said: “Only a woman can understand another woman’s helplessness. I too understand the helplessness of the National Commission for Women. A women’s commission that cannot even save its own tweet, how on earth will it protect the dignity of women across the country? You yourself need protection, NCWIndia. You yourselves are objects of pity!”

Tagging Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, she asked: “You are the Information and Broadcasting Minister of this country. The entire information department and media of the country are under your control. In such a situation, if @ABPNews is running fake news calling me a prostitute, then only three things are possible — 1. This is being done on your orders, 2. This is being done with your permission, or 3. You no longer have any control over @ABPNews. Please tell me which one is true?”

Neha further stated that a defamation notice has already been sent to ABP News on 29 October. The legal battle will be fought with full strength. However, she had expected support from the National Commission for Women. She questioned: “Is the National Commission for Women itself under pressure? Under whose pressure is @NCWIndia operating? Why was the tweet announcing suo motu cognizance deleted? Was the claim of taking suo motu cognizance a lie? Was the entire country lied to?”

Neha has made it clear that she will pursue the legal route, but the retreat of an institution like the Women’s Commission has left her disappointed.

This case once again highlights the seriousness of fake news, character assassination and digital harassment against women in the media. It also raises questions about whether regulatory bodies are withdrawing under pressure.