Poonam Pandey death stunt lands her in trouble with demands for police action

Poonam Pandey alive: Maharashtra legislator Satyajeet Tambe said a case should be registered to make an example of her and deter others from doing such stunts.

Updated on: Feb 4, 2024, 11:16:14 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Model and actor Poonam Pandey seems to be in trouble for faking her death, with celebrities, doctors and politicians calling her out for spreading false news to create awareness about cervical cancer. On Saturday, Maharashtra legislator Satyajeet Tambe demanded that the Mumbai Police take action against Poonam Pandey for putting out fake news of her death.

Tambe, an independent member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, said a case should be registered against Poonam Pandey to make an example of her for those who opt for such stunts to promote themselves.

A day after the news of her death from cervical cancer made headlines and led to intense debate on social media, Poonam Pande, 32, announced on Saturday that she was alive, and the fake news was published to spread “critical awareness” about the disease.

Action should be taken against Poonam Pandey as she “made or published false or misleading information,” Tambe said in a statement.

Also Read | Channels showing Poonam Pandey stupidity but not Maharashtra gang war: Uddhav Sena MP

"The news of an influencer/model dying of cervical cancer cannot be a means to spread awareness about the disease. The entire episode takes away the serious nature of cervical cancer and diverts the attention entirely to the influencer," Tambe said. The actor pulled a prank on cancer survivors rather than raising awareness, the MLC added.

Cine workers association slams Poonam Pandey

The All Indian Cine Workers Association also slammed Poonam Pandey, demanding an FIR against her.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the AICWA said "using the guise of cervical cancer for self-promotion is not acceptable".

“The fake news of demise of model and actress Poonam Pandey due to cervical cancer sent a shockwave among all in the Indian Film industry. This fake news was created for publicity stunt by model and actress Poonam Pandey which is being confirmed by her manager. This fake news had hurt the sentiments of all Indians who paid tribute to her,” it said in statement.

"We request your goodself to please file an FIR against both Poonam Pandey and her manager for spreading fake news merely for their PR publicity. Strict action against them is necessary so that such types of fake news will not be circulated by anyone.Such a cheap publicity is not at all accepted in our Indian Film Industry which has high emotional values for all," the statement read.

On February 2, Poonam Pandey's manager confirmed that the actress had died of cervical cancer.

A statement was also posted on Poonam Pandey's official Instagram which read, "This morning is a tough one for us. Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer. Every living form that ever came in contact with her was met with pure love and kindness."

However, on Saturday, Poonam Pandey posted a video statement on social media announcing that she is alive and shared that she faked her death as she intended to raise awareness about cervical cancer.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.