GURUGRAM:
Mewat SP has formed a special vigilance team to check the spread of rumours and fake images on social media. A mobile number has also been advertised by the police for registering complaints on objectionable posts.
The cell, consituted by SP Nazneen Bhasin, is headed by the in-charge of security branch and will keep a tab on viral
WhatsApp,
Twitter,
Instagram,
Facebook posts in nearby districts which may spread false rumors or threaten the peace in Mewat. Sources said the need to set up the special cell was felt after a few posts sparked communal tension in some areas in the wake of recent
lynching and beard chopping incidents.
“Social media has the power to either make or break things. Unfortunately, rather than being used to educate, inform and guide people, the media is used to spread rumors, blow things out of proportion and communalise issues. All this has deteriorated situations in many cases and we decided to deal with it. We will not only keep a tab on social media, but will also provide facility to residents to file complaints of social media messages leading to any inconvenience,” Bhasin said.
A dedicated mobile number — 8930230629 — has been issued for the public to inform cops and lodge complaints about any such posts. Police also appealed to residents to help them in this initiative.
Activists welcomed the move. “Mewat has always been a peaceful region, but of late, several instigating messages are being circulated which threaten the peace and hurt religious sentiments. Social media is being misused these days and needs to be monitored,” said social activist advocate Noordin Noor.
Illustration for representational purpose.
