Trinamool Congress fires salvo at BJP over 'fake video' of Metiabruz

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress on Sunday attacked BJP for circulating a fake video, stating it to be that of Metiabruz in the port area of Kolkata.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien attacked the saffron party in a tweet stating: "The Fake News. The politics. The muck. The BJP in Bengal are clear about what their number 1 priority is. Certainly not to take on the COVID-19 challenge."

Soon after the video went viral on social media, officers of Kolkata Police initiated a probe in this regard and found the same to be fake.

Following the probe, Deputy Commissioner of Police of Port Division Waquar Raza tweeted on Sunday morning, stating: "A video claiming to be of yesterday before Iftari from Metiabruz is doing rounds on social media. CCTV coverage of the area proves that the video is fake. A specific case has been initiated and legal action is being taken against persons spreading this fake news."

He has also posted a screenshot of the video marking it to be fake on his Twitter account and also uploaded CCTV footage of the same location, showing that there was no sign of any gathering at that point of time.

This comes at a time when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly requested people not to spread rumours or circulate any fake video which may cause panic or public disturbance.

She has repeatedly directed the police as well to maintain a strict vigil on circulation of such content.

A senior police officer said in this connection: "We maintain a close vigil considering that circulation of fake video, rumour or false information could lead to a major problem, especially during the lockdown situation. We are also creating awareness through different social media platforms so that people inform us as soon as they come across any such attempt. Immediate legal steps are being taken if anyone is found guilty of spreading false information."