Cyber cell seeks to assuage concerns

In a bid to suppress misleading messages on the Nipah outbreak aimed at creating panic in society, the Cyber cell of the police has been asked to keep an eye on suspected sources of such contents.

The Police Information Centre has also come out with a warning against those creating or disseminating such messages.

An officer attached to the Cyber Cell said the support of group admins of WhatsApp and Facebook groups would be sought to identify those transmitting misleading contents.

“We have also instructions from the Directorate of Health Services to track the sources of such messages and do everything to prevent it in view of public safety,” he said.

Police sources said attempts to circulate fake observations, cure or allegations putting the health squads in bad light in international social media forums would be taken seriously. A case had been registered on a complaint from the Health Department.

The Director General of Police (Crimes) would be handling the investigation in such cases. State Police Chief Loknath Behera also issued a directive to his subordinates and the Cyber cell teams.