New Delhi/Patna: The ongoing controversy between Haryanvi actress Anjali Raghav and Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh appears to be heading toward a legal showdown. After submitting details of nearly 20 Instagram accounts to the Delhi Cyber Police, Anjali has decided to issue legal notices to several social media users allegedly involved in trolling and spreading objectionable content against her.
According to sources, Anjali has handed over a pen drive containing digital evidence of abusive and defamatory posts to her lawyer. She has also accused a media platform named Bihar Nation of conducting negative interviews targeting her and announced that legal notices will be sent to those involved. The actress plans to file a formal FIR in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Women’s Commission has taken cognizance of a recent incident in which Pawan Singh allegedly touched Anjali Raghav inappropriately during a live stage performance in Lucknow. The commission has sought a detailed report from the Police Commissioner regarding the matter.
A senior female officer from the Delhi Cyber Police Station confirmed that the case is being investigated as a “crime against women.” She added, “Any act that harms a woman’s dignity, freedom, or safety falls under this category. We are handling this matter sensitively.” However, she did not elaborate on the specific actions being taken.
Anjali Accuses Pawan Singh’s PR Team of Online Harassment
Anjali Raghav alleged that the social media accounts that previously trolled her are now promoting Pawan Singh, who is currently participating in the new reality show Rise and Fall. “The same pages that hurled vulgar abuses at me are now posting promotional content for Pawan Singh. This clearly indicates that the trolling was orchestrated by his PR team,” Anjali claimed.
She added that video clips from Rise and Fall are being used by these pages to boost Pawan Singh’s public image. “After the show started, the trolling against me reduced slightly—but the connection between those accounts and his PR campaign is obvious,” she said.
About the ‘Rise and Fall’ Show
Rise and Fall is a reality show hosted by former BharatPe Managing Director Ashneer Grover. The show’s format resembles Bigg Boss but emphasizes a contestant’s strategy, personality, and public perception rather than audience voting.
Pawan Singh entered the show in its fourth episode, where he drew attention for his charisma and candid conversations about his film career. “I’ve acted in over 250 films and plan to continue doing many more,” he said during the show, adding that he intended to offer a role to co-contestant Akriti Negi.
Timeline of the Controversy
- August 29 (Evening): During a live music show in Lucknow, Pawan Singh allegedly touched Anjali’s waist on stage. The act was captured on camera.
- August 30 (Morning): The video went viral. Anjali shared on Instagram that she was mentally disturbed by the incident and announced her decision to leave the Bhojpuri industry.
- August 30 (Evening): Trolls began targeting Anjali with obscene memes and edited song clips.
- August 31 (Morning): Pawan Singh apologized publicly, saying, “My intentions were not wrong. If Anjali ji felt offended, I apologize.”
- August 31 (Afternoon): Anjali accepted the apology but claimed that Pawan’s PR team later pressured her to modify her Instagram story.
- September 1–2: Over 20 Instagram accounts posted abusive comments and memes against her.
- September 3: Anjali filed a complaint with the Delhi Cyber Cell, submitting details of the offending accounts.
- September 5: The UP Women’s Commission took notice and sought a report.
- September 8: Anjali provided her lawyer with evidence for further legal action.
Anjali Raghav, a resident of Najafgarh, is among the most popular Haryanvi actresses on social media. She rose to fame with her hit song “Solid Body,” previously performed by Sapna Chaudhary. Anjali maintains that while the song’s style may appear bold for Haryana, it is considered mild compared to the Bhojpuri film industry’s norms.
