India Today chief sub-editor Shipra Parashar has come under fire after she incorrectly identified the person involved in a high-profile abuse incident in Mumbai – whether she did it unknowingly or not is a different question. The article initially misreported the name of the accused, Rahil Javed Shaikh, as “Rahul,” sparking online outrage.
Did you all do it purposely @IndiaToday ?
The boy is Rahil Shaikh, but you mentioned it as Rahul.
He is the son of Javed Shaikh a MNS leader.
He abused a Marathi Hindu girl, all this while he was drunk and semi-naked.
Why did you all change the accused man to Hindu? @PIB_India… pic.twitter.com/qLs2oQUYDh— Singh Varun (@singhvarun) July 7, 2025
Following the outrage, the name was changed from Rahul to Rahil.
What Is The Issue About?
The controversy centers around Rahil Javed Shaikh, the son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Javed Shaikh, who was captured on video verbally abusing social media influencer Rajshree More on a Mumbai street. The confrontation reportedly followed a collision between their vehicles.
Rajshree More, known for her association with actress Rakhi Sawant, shared footage of the incident on her social media platforms. In the video, Rahil is seen shirtless and appears to be under the influence of alcohol while aggressively arguing with her.
Following the altercation, More filed a formal complaint with the Amboli police, expressing that she felt unsafe and threatened during the encounter. She demanded strict action against Rahil for his behavior.
This incident comes shortly after Rajshree More stirred controversy with a previous video in which she made provocative statements about the Marathi-speaking community in Mumbai. In that clip, she criticized the push to promote the Marathi language, suggesting that local residents should focus more on productivity and warning that the departure of migrant workers could harm the city.
As a result, MNS members from the Versova area lodged a complaint against her at Oshiwara police station. After the backlash, More apologized publicly and deleted the video.
Netizen Reaction Against India Today Writer Shipra Parashar
Here are some netizen reactions against the incorrect reporting by Parashar.
Did you all do it purposely @IndiaToday ?
The boy is Rahil Shaikh, but you mentioned it as Rahul.
He is the son of Javed Shaikh a MNS leader.
He abused a Marathi Hindu girl, all this while he was drunk and semi-naked.
Why did you all change the accused man to Hindu? @PIB_India… pic.twitter.com/qLs2oQUYDh— Singh Varun (@singhvarun) July 7, 2025
Fixed the headlines and the misleading identity for @AbhijitKaran25 @_shipraparashar @IndiaToday .
And I am sure its not just a typo.. pic.twitter.com/iMai5sYFa6
— The Hawk Eye (@thehawkeyex) July 7, 2025
Meet Shipra Prashar
She is Chief Sub Editor in India Today
She deliberately writes ‘Rahil Sheikh’ as ‘Rahul’ to give him Hindu Identity
Yes same Rahil Sheikh who’s son of MNS Leader & caught half naked abusing a Maharashtrian Woman in drunken state
Slow clap for the… pic.twitter.com/z41w2Y89EH
— Flt Lt Anoop Verma (Retd.) 🇮🇳 (@FltLtAnoopVerma) July 7, 2025
@_shipraparashar are you a journalist or ____
What’s the name of this guy ?
Did you got paid to write his name as rahul ? pic.twitter.com/7W9Y8m1i0r— jhabal (@woodlarkclose) July 7, 2025
(With inputs from India Today)
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