New Delhi: Actor and model Poonam Pandey has come under fire for allegedly faking her death and spreading misleading information in a bid to raise awareness of cervical cancer. Maharashtra legislator Satyajeet Tambe demanded on Saturday that Poonam Pandey be held accountable by the Mumbai Police for spreading false information about her demise.
A complaint should be filed against Poonam Pandey, according to Tambe, an independent member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, to hold her responsible for those who choose to use such publicity-grabbing acts to advance their careers. Tambe stated in a statement that Poonam Pandey "made or published false or misleading information," and that she should face consequences.
"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.
Poonam Pandey announced on Saturday that she was still alive, despite the fake news being circulated to raise "critical awareness" about cervical cancer.
Poonam Pandey was also criticized by the All Indian Cine Workers Association.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the AICWA said in a statement, it read, “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."
Poonam Pandey's manager announced her death from cervical cancer on February 2. Also, a statement was shared on Poonam Pandey's official Instagram page. Poonam, however, announced that she is still alive in a video statement that she uploaded on social media on Saturday.