A significant online debate has emerged after comedian Munawar Faruqui shared a cryptic Instagram story regarding the ethics of certain NGO operations.
While Faruqui did not mention any names, netizens quickly linked his comments to YouTuber Elvish Yadav, who recently posted a high-profile appeal to raise ₹9 crore for a child’s medical treatment. Faruqui’s story questioned “high charges” and “businesses” running under the guise of charity, leading followers to speculate about a potential indirect jab.
This development highlights the sensitive intersection of digital influence and medical crowdfunding, with fans of both creators debating the necessity of transparency versus the urgency of saving a life. No formal accusations have been made by either party as of 20 December 2025.
Elvish Yadav Instagram post
Crowdfunding for rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) has become a recurring phenomenon on Indian social media, often involving staggering sums of money for life-saving injections. Personalities like Elvish Yadav, who commands a massive digital following, frequently use their reach to amplify these causes, often resulting in successful, rapid fund collection.
However, the lack of a formal regulatory framework for influencer-led charity has led to periodic skepticism regarding the “cut” or commissions taken by intermediary organisations. This atmosphere of uncertainty provides the context in which cryptic remarks from fellow creators can go viral, as the public remains increasingly cautious about where their donations are directed.
Munawar Faruqui Story
The controversy gained momentum when Faruqui allegedly spoke about his “conscience” not allowing certain practices, mentioning that some entities charge high fees for such emotional appeals.
“Humare charges bohot high hai, and they were ready to pay. Pehle toh hum iss tarah ka promotion kare hi naa. I was shocked. Ki yaar, yeh konsa dhanda chal raha hai? Ho sakta hai genuine ho ya na ho, but ilaaj ke baad ka paisa kahan jayega? Agar itna crowd fund jama karne wale ho, uske alawa kuch toh business motive hoga na. Sick hai bhai! Sab pagal ho chuke hai,” Faruqui said.
Although he maintained a generalised tone, the timing, occurring just as Yadav’s appeal for a toddler in Indore went viral, led many to interpret it as a critique of the specific drive.
“Just putting it out here, taaki iss tarah ki jo cheezein log kar rahe hai, sabko pata chale ki kya kar rahe hai. Yeh sahi nahi hai. Aap iss tarah ki emotional kahaniyaan suna ke, ho sakta hai uss gareeb insaan se bhi charity nikalwa loge. Mat karo na. Main apne paise dalunga na jo meri aukat hogi, main utna meri side se charity kar lunga, main duniya ko kyu bolta phiru.”
While some users appreciate the call for accountability, others argue that such timing could inadvertently harm a genuine humanitarian effort by sowing doubt among potential donors.
Netizens React
Online reactions to the controversy have been intensely polarised, reflecting the deep divide between the “Elvish Army” and Munawar’s fanbase.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, many users have lauded Munawar for raising necessary questions about the lack of transparency and high administrative costs in influencer-led crowdfunding.
Conversely, Elvish’s supporters have slammed the comedian, accusing him of using a child’s critical health crisis to settle personal scores and settle old rivalries. Others have taken a neutral stance, urging both creators to keep the child’s welfare above digital “clout wars” while demanding clearer audits for online donations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the life of a child should always be the primary focus, standing far above any digital rivalry or perceived slights.
While asking for transparency in charitable works is a mark of a responsible citizen, we must be mindful that cryptic comments can sometimes create a climate of distrust that discourages genuine kindness.
We advocate for a system where NGOs provide clear, public audits so that influencers can support them without fear of controversy. Empathy and truth must go hand in hand to ensure that our collective power as a society is used to heal, not to divide.
