Maharashtra: 198 persons arrested for spreading fake news during lockdown

Cyber Cell Maharashtra Police
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Mehab Qureshi

Pune, May 17, 2020: A total of 198 persons have been arrested in connection with cybercrime for spreading fake Coronavirus  news across social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. Out of 366 cases in the state, 37 were filed in Pune district. This comprises of four cases in Pune city, 29 cases in Pune rural area and four cases in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

According to the information obtained by Maharashtra cyber, as many as 155 cases have been registered for spreading fake and objectionable WhatsApp forwards, six cases have been lodged regarding questionable tweets and four cases about distressing Instagram posts.143 cases are related to offensive Facebook posts and 16 cases for making Tick Tok videos.  As many as 42 cases have been registered for uploading repugnant material on YouTube.

SP cyber Balsingh Rajput said, “We have also issued instructions to all the cyber cells of different police units to keep a close eye on the objectionable material being posted, and takedown notices have been issued to all the concerned platforms of social media and removal process is in progress.”

The cybercrime department has also requested all the citizens to stay away from rumours and to minimize fake WhatsApp forwards. It is also notified that any breaches will be dealt with strongly as per the order, including the arrest of the offenders, and appropriate action under the preventive sections of the law will be taken.