Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday (Feb 18) directed the state police to ask Wikipedia to remove "objectionable content" about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj from its platform. 

Advertisment

In response, the Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a notice to Wikipedia. The authorities have also warned of legal action if the content is not taken down.

The move came after an editorial campaign by WION's sister channel 24 Taas. 

Also read: India at UNSC slams Pakistan's campaigns of 'misinformation' over Kashmir 

Advertisment

The controversy erupted after the recently released Hindi film Chhaava, which is based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Many people raised objections over distorted facts on Wikipedia, which is a free online encyclopedia. 

"I have asked the Inspector General of Maharashtra cyber cell to communicate with Wikipedia officials and ask them to remove the objectionable matter against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj," Fadnavis told reporters. 

Also read: US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview to air today - Know all details inside

Advertisment

"We will not tolerate such writings on open-source platforms where historical facts are distorted. I have ordered the officials to take whatever steps that are required to be taken," he added. 

The chief minister noted that Wikipedia does not operate from India, and is managed by volunteers who have editorial rights. He said, "We can ask them to put in place some regulations that will stop such distortion of facts." 

The remarks came after a successful editorial campaign by WION's sister channel 24taas. 

Also read: ‘Mistakes must be avoided’: Zelensky slams US, Russia talks in Riyadh, postpones his Saudi trip 

395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, along with Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, will join the celebrations at Shivneri Fort in Pune to celebrate the 395th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

Also read: Key takeaways from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia as two nations discuss Ukraine war in its absence 

(With inputs from agencies)