Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikrant Patil on Wednesday asked social media users to be cautious while posting or circulating information without verifying facts.
He said that as per latest guidelines, the police would book criminal cases against those who violated the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Addressing reporters here, Mr. Patil said recently three incidents of sharing of “disturbing” social media posts took place in the district - two in Chittoor and one at Penumuru. Though the police had immediately responded to them, it was alleged the response was delayed.
In two separate incidents in Chittoor, videos of assault on two youths were shared on the social media. A video of attack on a constable by an elderly man at Penumuru, when the former tried to stop a litigation there with a court order, was shared.
Sensitive posts
He said cases were filed against the accused in the incidents. Referring to politically and communally sensitive posts on the social media, Mr. Patil said individuals, and social and political groups should avoid posting information or photographs that could disturb peace and tranquillity in society. He said a social media monitoring cell in Chittoor could detect the origin of fake posts.
He expressed anguish that print and electronic media were getting carried away by fake information on the social media.
He asked people and the media to bring to his notice disturbing posts on the social media so that the police could provide correct information preventing further damage.
Additional SP E. Supraja and Circle-Inspector (District Crime Records Bureau) M. Maheswar were present.