Social media rumours keep cops alert, one held

New Delhi: The social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook along with Twitter kept the cops busy with fake messages circulating like closing of the schools and colleges and an appeal by Delhi Police to stay within homes on the day of the pronouncement of verdict in Ram Rahim case.

People in Delhi were seen giving frantic calls to their friends and relatives, either informing them of the WhatsApp messages or inquiring the authenticity of the same. This forced the Delhi Police to officially deny the rumours of the shutting of schools and colleges.

"We have not instructed any closing of schools. People are advised not to spread rumours and believe on it. We have a tough stand on the rumour mongers and police will take actions against those spreading it. No incident of fresh violence has been reported from the capital," said DCP Madhur Verma, who also holds the post of Public Relation Officer (PRO) in Delhi Police.

The fake WhatsApp messages that was forwarded to various groups said that the cops have advised people not to step out of their houses in view of the judgment that has to be pronounced on Monday.

The Delhi Police also closely monitored these social media of people to find if someone is involved in spreading rumours in the sensitive time.

Delhi on August 25 witnessed violence at some parts on the day when Ram Rahim was pronounced guilty.

Some miscreants burnt and smashed buses, forcing the cops to be on high alert.

In one such incident, a person has been arrested from north wast Delhi who made a Hoax call on 27 August.

Caller informed that "Opposite Shamshan Ghat under flyover some ladies are creating nuisance and mischief and are trying to set ablaze vehicles and are saying that Baba is innocent".

However, during enquiry, it was revealed that information given by the caller was false and he had spread the rumour with motive to create fear in the society.

Police then believing the information was false, held the hoax caller for spreading false rumour around the area.

"The hoax caller Dharmender was apprehended from Mandoli area and he was very furious and aggressive. He was likely to commit any cognizable offense if not arrested at once. He was also in drunken state.' said AK Singla, DCP North East.