To check spread of rumours, Barrackpore Commissionerate introduces Cyber RG Party

Taking a unique step to check spread of rumours through social media, Barrackpore Commissionerate has introduced "Cyber RG Party" in which netizens will volunteer to assist the cops in keeping tab on "objectionable" posts being run on social networking sites.

The concept of RG Party had come into existence in early 80s in which youth from a locality formed small groups for night surveillance in their respective areas to avoid any crimes or untoward incidents. They contacted police immediately if they anticipated any troublesome situation. Now there are very few areas where local youth have such group who move around their locality with torches and bamboo sticks in their hands to keep their areas secure.

Now, the similar concept has been introduced to get people involved in fighting the rumour mongers who can easily destroy the harmony of an area by posting something "objectionable" on social networking sites.

The members of the Cyber RG Party will be keeping a close watch on the updates taking place on social networking sites and inform the police without any delay so that necessary measures can be taken before an 'objectionable' post spreads.

According to a police officer, fighting such cyber related issues is quite different from normal policing. In a bid to get information within the shortest time after something objectionable has been posted, it is always better for the police if they get information from maximum number of people. "For example, I may not get to view a post that has been causing certain problems as it might not been liked or shared by any of my friends in the list of social networking sites. But it may appear on the wall of the site of another person who is not a police. This is where the concept of Cyber RG Party comes in," said the police officer.

He said that one just needs to drop a mail at [email protected] to be a volunteer of the Cyber RG Party.

Subrata Mitra, commissioner of Barrackpore Commissionerate, said: "For now it has been launched for Jaggatdal police station area. It would be implemented in other police station areas under the Commissionerate if the project becomes successful."

It may be mentioned that a Facebook post had resulted to violence in Basirhat sub-division and its adjoining areas a few days ago. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed her concern over such "conspiracy" which led to the harassment of common people besides attempting to destabilise the peace and harmony of the state that had always been the tradition of Bengal.

The senior police officers expect that introduction of Cyber RG Party will help in checking the spread of rumours and fake information which in some cases were purposely posted with an intention to create trouble.