14 cases registered & 9 persons arrested for spreading COVID-19 related rumour in social media

April 6: With the outbreak of COVID-19, numerous fake messages were circulated in different social media platforms. Though central and state governments have issued numerous warning not to send and circulate any unconfirmed matter in social media related to coronavirus that may lead to panic, yet many still appears to violate the regulations.

Till April 6, Assam Police has registered 14 cases and arrested 9 persons for spreading COVID19 related rumours or provocative content in social media. Further, 110 plus such posts were also pulled down. Another 95 people were called for counselling who made such posts. Assam Police further made a request to the inhabitants of the state not to issue, forward or share any unverified information in social media related to COVID-19.

In a social media post, Assam Police wrote, “Important Alert: Stringent action is being taken against those spreading Provocative Content, Rumours & Fake News about #COVID19. We request Citizens NOT to Forward or Share unverified or provocative content on Social Media under any circumstances, not even to point it out to others, this only gives it an audience. Report it to us immediately through our Facebook Inbox, Twitter DM or on our WhatsApp Helpline: 9132699735.”