Poonam Pandey Faces Backlash for Faking Death to Raise Awareness on Cervical Cancer

Model and actor Poonam Pandey has stirred controversy by faking her death to allegedly spread awareness about cervical cancer. The Maharashtra legislative member, Satyajeet Tambe, has called for action against Pandey for disseminating false information. The incident has ignited debates among celebrities, doctors, and politicians, with calls for legal repercussions. Poonam Pandey, aged 32, initially announced her death from cervical cancer, prompting intense discussions on social media. However, she later revealed the news to be fake, asserting that it was a stunt to raise “critical awareness” about the disease. Satyajeet Tambe, an independent member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, has urged the Mumbai Police to take legal action against Pandey, emphasizing the need to set an example and deter others from using such stunts for self-promotion. Tambe criticized Pandey’s approach, stating that using the news of a model’s death for awareness undermines the seriousness of cervical cancer. He argued that the incident diverted attention from the disease itself and focused on the influencer’s actions. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also condemned Pandey’s actions, demanding the filing of an FIR against her and her manager for spreading fake news for PR publicity. The AICWA expressed disappointment in Pandey’s use of cervical cancer as a guise for self-promotion and emphasized the emotional impact on those who believed the fake news. On February 2, Poonam Pandey’s manager confirmed her death from cervical cancer, leading to widespread condolences. However, Pandey later posted a video statement on social media, revealing the hoax and explaining her intention to raise awareness about cervical cancer. The incident has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of such stunts and the potential harm caused by spreading false information, especially regarding serious health issues. As the controversy unfolds, there are calls for accountability and legal consequences for those involved in perpetuating the fake news. *(Word count: 294)*