Rumour-mongering on social media can land you behind bars

The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has left rumour mills abuzz. Though people are lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clean up drive, a lot of misinformation is being spread on social media. 

The police have advised residents to be cautious before posting anything regarding demonetisation on social media as any misinformation or rumour can land one behind bars. 

The Delhi Police, too, have advised people to verify the authenticity of a news before posting it on social media. Warning that action would be taken against rumour mongers, the police have appealed to people not to get influenced by false news.

After the Prime Minister announced the demonetisation drive last Tuesday, a fresh rumour is being spread every couple of hours. 

On Sunday, many people received text messages, stating that if there is a marriage in someone’s family, s/he could avail an immediate cash of Rs 2 lakh by getting the invitation card stamped at the local Deputy Commissioner of Police’s (DCP) office. However, the Delhi Police have dismissed it as a rumour.

An advisory has also been issued stating: “Rumours regarding facility to withdraw money from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after getting the wedding card stamped by the area DCP are being spread over WhatsAPP in Delhi. It is advised that citizens should disregard such rumours. Action as per law is being taken against rumour mongering. Citizens should rely and act only upon information provided by authentic and verified government websites and press releases.”