Port Blair, Apr 28: In its continued vigilance against mischievous/malicious online posts inciting communal feelings, dissuading COVID19 suspects in revealing information, spreading message which may instigate mass protest/gatherings, spreading fake news etc , Andaman & Nicobar Police has stepped up it’s online vigil. In the last few days 5 cases against such violators have been registered under various sections of IPC and DM act, who sought to endanger the continuing efforts against Covid-19 by way of such posts.
Andaman & Nicobar Police is following a zero tolerance policy in the matter and a close vigil/scrutiny is being maintained on any such violation. No one is being spared. The action taken so far includes against government servants, their relatives etc as well signifying the clear determined approach of the administration and police in the matter.
These actions were taken after such tweets/messages were noticed on social media despite earlier awareness/ press releases/ social media posts in this regard. Such posts were found to spread mistrust about the protocols being followed by the administration and thereby pursuing people not to cooperate in the screening process or give false statements, defeating the efforts of contact tracing, endangering the Covid-19 containment process and thereby the very life of citizens at large.
It is also apprehended that lack of legal action would’ve led to members of the public panicking and not cooperating with the authorities thereby frustrating the efforts of the massive anti-Covid machinery on the ground and endangering lives of fellow citizens.
The public are again advised to refrain from posting or forwarding any mischievous message that contains malicious, communal or fake news. Any such activity will call for strict legal action being taken against the perpetrator. A single false information or instigating message can ruin, damage, frustrate and nullify the entire effort put in so far to contain and prevent the spread of the Corona Virus.
For verification of any News, you can reach out to Cyber Cell on 03192-230668. You can also call 100/112 to provide information on any such perpetrator.
