Fake News: No holiday declared on 26 August

August 25: A piece of information has become viral in social media since Sunday afternoon wherein it was claimed that “The Govt. of India announces all offices, schools, and other institutions shall remain closed on 26/08/19, as mark of respect for our dear departed Shri. Arjun Jaitley (Hon. Member of Parliament & former Finance Minister).” A number of netizens shared this news on their social media platforms, especially Facebook & Whatsapp.

This piece of information was cross checked by way2barak. Our correspondents sought information from the district administration and also from Dispur. Apart from this, we contacted many other media houses, who too were unaware of any such government notification. Ironically, the person who wrote this message also made a prime spelling mistake. Instead of Arun Jaitley, it was written as Arjun Jaitley.

It’s nothing but a fake news circulated in social media like many other news items and has become viral. Social media is a great tool or device for dissemination of information, but such type of activities is indeed not expected. The users too need to cross verify any news before forwarding it to others. To make a fake news out of the death of a great personality is indeed an act of insult to that man and such type of activities should be avoided. It’s also a crime as per law to spread fake news in social media.

Infact, senior BJP leader and former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley passed away at AIIMS, New Delhi on Saturday afternoon at the age of 66. He was a politician of a tall stature. An advocate of Supreme Court by profession, Jaitley carved a niche for himself in the political coterie cutting across party lines. Rumours and fake news on an issue centering his death speaks of ill-taste of person or persons who indulge in such activities.