13 cases registered for spreading fake news on social media

Shimla, March 31

As many as 13 cases have been registered for spreading fake news about Covid-19 on social media in Himachal. Four cases have been registered in Mandi district, two each in Shimla, Baddi and Kangra and one each in Una, Hamirpur and Chamba.

Fake news regarding Covid-19 patients in Shimla, circulation of fake orders of the state government, homemade remedies to fight the virus were spread on social networking sites.

Meanwhile, SR Mardi, DGP, said, “People returning to the state will be quarantined for 14 days and around 1,800 persons are in quarantine in Himachal”. He added that quarantine is not detention but a precautionary measure against Covid-19.

The DGP asked people not to believe and spread rumours tomorrow, as jokes and fake content could be circulated on April Fool’s Day.

“The Himachal Police have registered 261 cases for curfew violations, arrested 343 persons, impounded 130 vehicles and imposed a fine of Rs 41,600. As many as 71 persons have been arrested in 61 cases in Shimla district, including 54 for curfew violations, three for overcharging customers, two each under disaster management and for spreading fake news and rumours,” said Omapati Jamwal, SP, Shimla.

Amit Kashyap, Deputy Commissioner, said the rush during curfew relaxation was gradually reducing in Shimla as home delivery of essential items was started from 9 am to 5 pm and 250 persons benefited in one day. — TNS