New Delhi: Haryanvi actress Anjali Raghav, who has been facing relentless trolling after her on-stage controversy with Bhojpuri actor-singer Pawan Singh, has filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell in Delhi. She submitted a list of more than 20 Instagram accounts allegedly spreading defamatory content, obscene memes, and morphed videos targeting her.
The actress claimed that from a single account, up to 15–20 videos are being uploaded daily, many of which use edited clips and fake visuals to malign her image. “Some videos are so cheap that my face has been pasted on someone else’s body to show obscene acts. This is not just one person but a gang after my image and respect,” Anjali told investigators.
Background: Pawan Singh Controversy
The row began on August 29 during a live performance in Lucknow, where a video captured Pawan Singh allegedly touching Anjali Raghav’s waist inappropriately on stage. The clip went viral, sparking outrage. Singh later posted an apology on Instagram, saying his “intention was not wrong.” While Raghav initially accepted his apology, she has since been facing an online smear campaign.
“Pawan Singh walked away after apologizing, but trolls have been targeting me day and night. I am mentally disturbed due to continuous harassment,” she said.
Targeted Campaign, Industry Reactions
Raghav alleged that several Bhojpuri models, including Shalini and Chandni, have mocked her online, saying that “those who wear shorts are now trying to be Sati-Savitri.” Responding, she remarked, “Wearing short clothes does not mean I have given anyone permission to touch me.”
She also accused a man named Santosh Renu Yadav, who she says claims links with Lalu Prasad Yadav’s party, of spreading falsehoods about her family. Raghav announced plans to file a defamation case against him.
Meanwhile, several artists from the Haryanvi industry have voiced their support for her. Singers Ajay Hooda, Mannu Dhawan (MD), Diler, and Kahar Kharkiya shared posts in her favour, while Khushi Baliyan and Shweta Chauhan also extended solidarity. However, some of these artists too have reportedly been targeted by trolls after backing Raghav.
Troll Attacks and Defamation
Raghav said she has been called derogatory names, including “double dancer,” a term linked to rural Bhojpuri dance shows often associated with obscenity. “I don’t even know what double dance is. These are cheap talks to silence women by questioning their character,” she said.
In her interviews, Raghav reiterated that her performances are professional and based on pre-decided choreography. “Wearing costumes in songs is part of the scene. It does not give anyone the right to cross limits.”
Next Steps
The actress plans to escalate the matter further. “I will approach the Women’s Commission and register an FIR at the police station. This fight is not just for me but for every girl,” she stated.
Her timeline of complaints shows that within days of the August 29 incident, trolls began uploading dozens of defamatory posts against her, forcing her to seek legal recourse.
