Mumbai: The Western Cyber Police Station in Mumbai on Saturday registered a criminal case against individuals accused of spreading false and misleading information on social media regarding the recent government demolition drive in Bandra East.
According to cyber police officials, the action was initiated after authorities noticed a post circulating on the social media platform X on May 22. The post allegedly contained fabricated and baseless claims related to the eviction and demolition operation carried out by government authorities in the Bandra East area of Mumbai.
Police said the content was allegedly shared through electronic media with the intention of disturbing public peace, creating fear among citizens, and triggering tension between communities. Investigators believe the misleading information was deliberately circulated in a manner that could harm communal harmony and create unrest in the city.
Based on preliminary findings, Mumbai Cyber Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the individual operating the social media account as well as the person who allegedly recorded and circulated the related video.
Officials stated that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found spreading fake information online or attempting to disturb law and order through social media platforms.
Mumbai Police also issued a public advisory urging citizens to use social media responsibly and refrain from forwarding or sharing unverified information.
Police warned that circulating false or misleading information through social media or any other communication platform is a punishable offence under the law. Authorities further stated that any attempt to spread fear, create communal tension, or hurt religious sentiments through online content could lead to serious legal consequences.
Officials appealed to the public to verify information through official sources before sharing it online and advised people to immediately report suspicious or inflammatory content to law enforcement agencies.
Earlier, on May 22, Mumbai Police had registered an FIR in another cyber-related case involving an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to police, the manipulated video was allegedly circulated online with the intention of damaging the Prime Minister’s public image.
The accused in that case, identified as Nafis Alam, allegedly created and uploaded the edited video containing abusive language. Further investigation into both matters is currently underway.
(IANS)
