WATCH: Kirit Somaiya Full Video Leaked by Lokshahi Marathi TV Channel, Sparks Outrage Online
A video clip allegedly showing Maharashtra BJP leader Kirit Somaiya in a compromising position with an unidentified woman has been leaked online by a Marathi news channel Lokshahi, sparking outrage and controversy among the opposition parties and the public. The channel claims to have multiple such clips of the BJP leader and has also accused him of harassing many women. Somaiya has denied the allegations and has requested Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to investigate the matter and verify the authenticity of the videos.
Background
Kirit Somaiya is a senior BJP leader and a former MP from Mumbai North-East constituency. He is known for his anti-corruption crusades and exposés against various political leaders and parties, especially the ruling Shiv Sena faction (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra. He has also been vocal about the issues of farmers, traders, migrants and COVID-19 management in the state.
Kirit Somaiya Full Viral Video by Lokshahi Marathi TV Channel
On July 18, 2023, a Marathi news channel Lokshahi aired a video clip purportedly showing Kirit Somaiya in a compromising position with an unidentified woman. The channel blurred the explicit part of the video, but claimed that it has access to the unedited version. The channel’s editor Kamlesh Sutar said that their intention was not to infringe upon anyone’s privacy, but to seek clarification from Somaiya regarding the video’s authenticity and any associated complaints. He also said that the channel has received many such clips of Somaiya from different sources and that they have verified them with experts.
The video clip soon went viral on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, where many users shared it without blurring or censoring it. Some users also claimed to have access to other videos of Somaiya in similar situations.
Kirit Somaiya upcoming block buster #Prevue 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3538fTRMkC
— Брат (@B5001001101) July 18, 2023
The Reactions
The video leak triggered sharp reactions from various political parties and leaders, especially those who have been targeted by Somaiya in the past.
- The UBT and the NCP staged protests against Somaiya in Mumbai and other parts of the state, demanding his resignation from the BJP and his arrest for allegedly indulging in obscene activities. They also held a ‘chappal maaro andolan’ (slipper hurling campaign) and a clothes donation campaign for Somaiya, mocking his moral character.
- Vidya Chavan, leader of Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, slammed Somaiya and said that he has no moral right to criticise the opposition parties after indulging in such obscene activities. She also expressed her disappointment over his aggressive behaviour and offensive gestures.
- Yashomati Thakur, leader of Congress, said that BJP leaders who often lecture about morality should have the courage to hold Somaiya accountable and take lawful action against him. She also accused him of leading a deceptive public life and tarnishing the image of those who advocate campaigns like ‘Save Daughters, Educate Daughters’.
- Rupali Thombre-Patil, leader of Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, said that it was important to investigate the authenticity of this clip and take necessary legal measures. She also said that if such videos do exist, it is imperative to initiate proper legal proceedings.
On the other hand, Kirit Somaiya appealed to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to investigate the allegations and verify the authenticity of the videos. He also denied abusing any woman or being involved in any scandal. He tweeted:
A video clip of me was shown on a news channel. Claimed that I have harrassed many women & many such video clips available & complaints received against Me
— Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) July 18, 2023
I have never abused any woman
Request @Dev_Fadnavis to investigate such allegations and verify the authenticity of Videos pic.twitter.com/rR0l4nalOz
Devendra Fadnavis assured Somaiya of a detailed probe into the matter and ordered the Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch to launch an investigation into the videos. He also said that he will take the help of technical experts and cyber team to verify the videos.
The Implications
The video leak has raised several questions and concerns about the privacy, security and reputation of public figures like Kirit Somaiya, who are often exposed to various threats and attacks from their political rivals or other vested interests. It also poses a challenge for the law enforcement agencies to deal with such cases of cybercrime and defamation, which are becoming more common and sophisticated with the advancement of technology and social media.
Some of the implications of this incident are:
- It may damage Somaiya’s political career and credibility as a leader who has been vocal about corruption and morality issues in the state and the country.
- It may affect the BJP’s image and prospects in the upcoming elections in Maharashtra and other states, as the opposition parties may use this issue to attack the party and its leaders.
- It may create a sense of insecurity and fear among other public figures who may be vulnerable to similar attacks or blackmails from their enemies or rivals.
- It may also violate the privacy and dignity of the woman involved in the video, who may be a victim of coercion or manipulation by someone with malicious intentions.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Who | Kirit Somaiya, senior BJP leader and former MP from Mumbai North-East |
| What | A video clip allegedly showing him in a compromising position with an unidentified woman |
| When | July 18, 2023 |
| Where | Aired by Marathi news channel Lokshahi, went viral on social media platforms |
| Why | Unknown, possibly a political conspiracy or a personal vendetta |
| How | Unknown, possibly a hidden camera or a hacked device |
| Status | Under investigation by Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch |
The video leak involving Kirit Somaiya is a serious and sensitive issue that has implications for his personal and political life, as well as for the privacy and security of public figures in general. It also raises questions about the role and responsibility of media outlets and social media users in handling such cases of cybercrime and defamation. It is important to wait for the outcome of the investigation before jumping to any conclusions or making any judgments about this incident.
