Social media cell of police on alert ahead of panchayat polls

PRAYAGRAJ: Ahead of Panchayat polls, the social media cell of police has been instructed to monitor all social media platforms and WhatsApp groups so that misinformation does not pose threat to peace.

Recently trans-Yamuna police had arrested some youths who were selling firearms through social media platforms and WhatsApp groups. The social media and cyber-crime cell came across the pictures of firearms posted on social sites and investigated. It was found that the accused even used to bargain over the price of firearms and deliver them to customers after he agreed over the price, said a senior police officer.

The social media cell of Prayagraj police will keep a close watch on different social sites and Whatsapp groups for posts and comments which pose threat to social harmony or cause rift between members of different communities.

“The persons making such comments will be traced and asked to remove such content. If necessary, FIRs will also be lodged against them under IT Act and other relevant sections of IPC and further action will be taken,” official said.

Social media cell of police will also raise awareness among social media users to stay away from rumours and misinformation, which is often, circulated on social media platforms.

“Appropriate action will be taken against social media users who make inflammatory posts and comments that pose threat to peace. Social media users are also being advised not to forward unauthentic information and stay away from them,” said SP Crime Ashutosh Mishra.

Any rumour or post that may cause trouble should immediately be reported to police, he added.

THE POLICE WILL WATCH FOR POSTS AND COMMENTS WHICH THREATEN SOCIAL HARMONY