Strong action will be taken against those spreading rumours: Top cop

Kolkata: Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma on Friday reiterated that strong action will be taken against those who are spreading rumours to disturb the law and order situation in the city and the state.

"Some people are spreading rumours in order to foment trouble for their petty political or personal interests. They are trying to disturb the law and order situation of the state. We are strongly dealing with the situation and will continue to do so. We have already located such people and will take strong action against them," Sharma told reporters at a Press conference in Nabanna.

Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Siddh Nath Gupta said that 22 cases of violence have been registered across the state in the last few days following rumour mongering, in which 40 people have been arrested. Kolkata has registered six cases of mob violence, out of which eight people have been arrested in three cases.

According to Sharma, police have stumbled upon certain videos on social media that have been circulated for spreading panic among people.

"We are keeping a close watch and people involved in such acts would be booked under the law and strong action will be taken against them," he asserted.

Gupta said their probe has revealed that some outsiders are involved in such incidents. "There are some individuals and some groups involved in these acts. We have also found in our investigation that some people are instigating such incidents but not venturing to the scene. We will locate them as well," he said.

The police are using public address system at various places to alert people and advising them not to pay heed to any kind of rumour. Leaflets are also being distributed to ensure that people stay updated regarding the same.

Lalbazar has already issued strict orders to all the 70 police stations in the city, asking them to launch a special vigilance and round up anyone spreading false information.