Stern action against those spreading misinformation on social media during polls, says Vizianagaram SP
Vizianagaram Superintendent of Police A.R. Damodar has warned of strict legal action against those spreading misinformation on social media during upcoming local elections. Authorities are monitoring sensitive areas and have bound over 20,000 individuals to ensure peaceful polling.
Why it matters
The regulation of social media during elections is a critical issue for maintaining democratic integrity and preventing communal or social unrest.
Stern action against those spreading misinformation on social media during polls, says Vizianagaram SP left Vizianagaram Superintendent of Police A.R. Damodar. File Special Arrangement Special Arrangement https://th-i.thgim.com/public/news/national/andhra-pradesh/9xqz9o/article71591374.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Sp.jpeg Nearly 20,000 people have been bound over in the district, says A.R. Damodar VIZIANAGARAM: Vizianagaram Superintendent of Police A.R. Damodar said the department would take stern action against persons who misused social media platforms and spread ‘false information’ during the municipal, parishad and panchayat elections. https://www.thehindu.com/topic/andhra-pradesh-local-body-elections-2026/ Speaking to The Hindu here on Friday (October 16, 2026), he asked everyone to cross-check posts before forwarding them on WhatsApp and other platforms. He said unverified information could lead to tension in villages and other parts of the district, and asked social media influencers not to mislead people. “Peaceful, free and fair elections are possible only with the cooperation of the people. The department would keenly observe the movements of troublemakers.
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