New Delhi: A popular social media influencer from Himachal Pradesh has landed in legal trouble after a video in which she made sweeping generalisations about the personal lives of Indian Army soldiers triggered widespread outrage among serving and retired personnel, their families, and ex-servicemen organisations.
Ishita Pundeer, a Pahari lifestyle content creator with over 3.5 million followers on Facebook and more than one million on Instagram, posted a video, criticising Army men for what she described as a lack of loyalty towards their wives and girlfriends. In the now-deleted clip, Pundeer claimed that while soldiers remain “loyal to the nation,” nearly 90 per cent are allegedly unfaithful in their personal relationships, even suggesting that many maintain multiple partners.
The remarks, which many viewed as a baseless and derogatory stereotype, quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from across the country. Within hours, multiple complaints were lodged with police stations in Sirmaur district. Prominent among them was a formal complaint filed by the Rajgarh Sainik Welfare Association (also referred to as the Rajgarh Ex-Servicemen Association), along with individual grievances from Army personnel, their families, and political figures, including Yadupati Thakur, general secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee.
According to Sirmaur Superintendent of Police Nishchint Negi, all complaints have been clubbed and an investigation is underway. At least two FIRs have been registered, one at Rajgarh police station, with probes focusing on allegations of defamation and hurting the sentiments of the armed forces community. Police have indicated that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law.
In response to the backlash, Pundeer promptly deleted the original video and uploaded a follow-up clip apologising for her statements. She described the remarks as a “human error” and clarified that they stemmed from personal experiences rather than any institutional criticism. She emphasised her respect for the Indian Army and its soldiers. However, many observers, including defence veterans and social media users, have dismissed the apology as insufficient, calling instead for greater accountability from influencers who command large audiences.
The episode has reignited a broader debate on responsible digital discourse, particularly when it concerns India’s armed forces. Defence analysts point out that soldiers and their families already endure prolonged separations, frequent postings, and the inherent risks of military service. Generalised attacks on their personal integrity, they argue, not only undermine morale but also disrespect the sacrifices made by personnel who routinely place duty to the nation above all else.
Retired officers and ex-servicemen associations have stressed that while individual circumstances vary across any large organisation, painting an entire institution with a broad brush, especially one as revered as the Indian Army, crosses the line into defamation. The incident also highlights the growing scrutiny faced by social media creators in India, where content perceived as disrespectful to national institutions or the armed forces often invites swift public condemnation and legal repercussions.
As the police investigation proceeds, the case serves as a reminder of the fine balance between free expression and the need to uphold the dignity of those who guard the nation’s frontiers. For a defence establishment that prides itself on discipline, integrity, and selfless service, such controversies underscore the importance of measured public commentary, even in the fast-paced world of viral content.
Pundeer, who is known for showcasing Himachali culture and lifestyle, hails from Deva Manal village in the Nohradhar area of Sirmaur district. Her large following had until now largely celebrated her regional content; the current controversy, however, has thrust her into a markedly different national spotlight.
‘Defence Chronicle’ will continue to monitor developments in this case.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.