Khushboo Patani vs 'fake news': Disha Patani's sister plans legal action after her viral video. Controversy explained

Time of India

04-08-2025

Targets Misleading Accounts with Legal Threats
Backlash Following Aniruddhacharya's Remarks
Aniruddhacharya Doubles Down
Calls for Responsible Media Consumption
Retired Indian Army Major and fitness coach Khushboo Patani, who is also the sister of actor Disha Patani, has announced her intention to pursue legal action against individuals and social media pages that she claims are spreading "fake news" about her. The controversy began after a video of her went viral, allegedly showing her criticising a spiritual leader. Some social media handles alleged that the criticism was directed at Premanand Ji Maharaj; however, Khushboo has categorically denied these claims, stating that her comments were targeted at another spiritual leader, Aniruddhacharya.She explained that her remarks were in response to a sermon by Aniruddhacharya, who faced widespread backlash for making derogatory statements about women in live-in relationships. The viral video , she said, was edited and presented out of context, leading to false assumptions and unnecessary outrage.In a series of Instagram posts and a recent video statement, Khushboo called out specific social media accounts for allegedly misrepresenting her words. She warned that she would take strict legal steps under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the IT Act. The action would reportedly include charges of defamation, forgery, cyber harassment, and spreading false information.She named platforms like @yourrspiritualgirl, @utsavshukla.news, and @delhi_ka_deepak_official, stating that they were instrumental in amplifying false claims that linked her to statements against Premanand Ji. Emphasising the seriousness of the matter, Khushboo asserted that such misinformation not only led to personal harassment but also posed a risk to her safety and dignity.The controversy was sparked when Aniruddhacharya, also known as Pookie Baba, made controversial statements during a discourse in Vrindavan. In the video that circulated widely online, he insinuated that women who marry at the age of 25 have already been in multiple relationships, using language widely condemned as misogynistic.Khushboo was one of the prominent figures to criticise these remarks publicly. Her reaction drew significant support but also backlash, particularly from followers of the two spiritual leaders. While defending her stand against Aniruddhacharya's views, she has simultaneously worked to distance herself from claims that she targeted Premanand Ji Maharaj.In what many have interpreted as a response to Khushboo's criticism, Aniruddhacharya released a new video defending his statements. He claimed that speaking the truth in today's world invites opposition and suggested that his critics, including women, want to be seen in a particular way while behaving differently. His latest comments have added further fuel to the controversy.Amid the online storm, Khushboo has urged her followers and the general public to verify information before forming opinions. She expressed frustration over the way her words were twisted, stating that linking her to spiritual leaders she never addressed was a deliberate attempt to tarnish her image. Her caption, 'Fake News Against Me! Deliberate effort to defame me!' echoed her strong disapproval of the narrative being circulated.While Khushboo continues to address the controversy, her younger sister Disha Patani has remained silent on the matter. The actor, known for her roles in films like Loafer and Kanguva, has stayed out of the ongoing dispute involving her sister and the spiritual figures.