Social media users booked for spreading false messages about murder accused
Police in Bantwal have registered cases against several social media users and WhatsApp group administrators for spreading misinformation regarding a murder case. The accused allegedly attempted to incite communal tension by misidentifying the religious or political affiliation of the murder suspect.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the growing challenge of misinformation and communal polarization on social media platforms in India.
The Bantwal Town police on Friday registered cases against an Instagram user and the admins of five WhatsApp groups for allegedly circulating false information intended to disturb peace in connection with the murder of a woman in B.C. Road on Thursday.
In a statement, the police said the cases have been registered against the “troll_master” Instagram account and the administrators of the WhatsApp groups “Yuva Benthangady”, “PPADMARAJ PADMARAJPARI”, “Padmaraj Padmaraj Pari”, “Yuva Congress Belthangady” and “Facts and Justice”.
The Instagram account and WhatsApp groups had allegedly portrayed the accused, Chethan, as a Bajrang Dal activist by posting his picture with a saffron shawl and vermilion on his forehead, the statement said.
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