First FIR in MP linked to Epstein Files:Social media post targets PM; unknown Youth Congress account handler named in case

The first FIR in Madhya Pradesh linked to the ongoing ‘Epstein Files’ controversy has been registered in Jabalpur. The case was filed following a complaint by Shailendra Singh Kaurav, Executive Engineer of the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation, against an unidentified individual. According to police, the FIR was lodged on February 12 at Omti police station under Section 197-A of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused is alleged to be operating a social media handle associated with the Indian Youth Congress. AI-generated images posted on ‘X’ In a complaint submitted on February 9, Kaurav alleged that AI-generated images were posted on the social media platform ‘X’ from an Indian Youth Congress handle. The images purportedly showed unipole posters displayed at various locations in Jabalpur. The posters reportedly mentioned the “Epstein Files” and contained AI-generated objectionable content concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kaurav stated that, in reality, no such posters had been installed anywhere in the city. Police probe finds posts potentially misleading City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ritesh Kumar Shiv said that two posts have surfaced during the investigation so far. One contained a cartoon image, while the other displayed photographs of the Prime Ministers of India and the United States. Police verified the unipole locations shown in the posts and found that legitimate posters from another authorized agency were installed there. This has raised concerns that the content shared on ‘X’ may have been intended to spread misleading information. The investigation is ongoing. Who was Jeffrey Epstein? Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy New York-based financier known for his associations with influential politicians and celebrities. In 2005, he was accused of sexually abusing a minor girl. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor and served 13 months in jail under a controversial plea deal. In 2019, Epstein was arrested again on federal sex trafficking charges. He died in jail later that year. His associate and partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 for assisting him in recruiting and abusing minors. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. The origins of the Epstein Case The case first came to light in 2005 when the mother of a 14-year-old girl in Florida filed a police complaint. She alleged that her daughter had been invited to Epstein’s mansion under the pretext of a “massage,” where she was pressured into sexual acts. Police investigations later identified nearly 50 minor girls who made similar allegations. The Palm Beach Police Department launched an extensive inquiry, uncovering a pattern of abuse. Epstein owned luxury properties in Manhattan and Palm Beach, where he hosted high-profile parties attended by prominent figures. Investigations revealed that he transported underage girls on his private jet, often referred to as the “Lolita Express,” allegedly luring them with money and gifts while using threats and coercion. Despite early investigations, Epstein received a relatively lenient sentence in 2008, serving just over a year in jail, with work-release privileges. Resurfacing during the #MeToo movement After his release in 2009, Epstein maintained a low profile. However, the #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in 2017 following reports against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, brought renewed attention to sexual abuse cases involving powerful individuals. As numerous women came forward with allegations against Weinstein and others, renewed scrutiny fell on Epstein. Among those speaking out was Virginia Giuffre, who accused Epstein of sexually abusing her for three years. Eventually, around 80 women filed complaints against him.