How to stop social media rumours that have killed over 30 people across India

Rumours about child lifting gangs have led to a spate of mob lynchings across India... In Jharkhand last year, 7 people were beaten to death. 2 people were killed in Assam on 8th of June this year. Thereafter, similar incidents have been reported from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Karnataka, MP, Gujarat and Maharashtra as well. Over a hundred people have also been severely injured after being thrashed by mobs. The govt itself is still searching for effective ways to counter rumour-mongering through social media, particularly WhatsApp. Maybe a twofold approach is the need of the hour. A nationwide awareness campaign to dispel rumours spread on social media and strict action against those maliciously spreading such rumours.