Fake website launches poll on Ram MandirBabri Masjid issue

Close on the heels of Supreme Court’s order to look for an out-of-court settlement to the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi issue, a fake UP government website has initiated referendum on the disputed structure in Ayodhya attributing it to the newly sworn-in chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

The website — www.ayodhyaissue.gov-up — with the address misleadingly similar to the UP government’s official website “www.up.gov.in” carries a picture of CM Yogi Adityanath. A message of the referendum on the contentious issue went viral on WhatsApp.

“The Supreme Court on 21st Mar, 2017 observed that the Ayodhya dispute must be settled amicably through a cordial meeting of all parties. This platform gives a chance to general public to express opinion on the subject which shall be helpful in creating a consensus to resolve this issue,” a message on the website reads.

When Hindustan Times tracked the owner of the URL, it was found registered with Tarun Chaudhary, a South Delhi resident.

When further probed, the phone number provided in the website details was found owned by Akhtar Ali of Karnataka. Ali, who runs an IT firm in Bangalore, said it was a mischief by someone who was using his name.

“We have just been informed about the website. I will inform the authorities concerned to remove it,” Ali told HT on phone.