Kolkata: The city police have flagged multiple fake posts on its social media between Wednesday and Thursday amid a surge of politically charged misinformation, and issued a series of warnings against such posts, urging citizens to rely only on official communication channels.Among the flagged posts was a WhatsApp “advisory” claiming prohibitory orders being imposed in Kidderpore, Topsia and Ripon Street. “This ‘advisory’ is fake and misleading. The law-and-order situation within Kolkata Police jurisdiction remains normal. Strict legal action is being initiated against those responsible for circulating such false information,” police said on social media.Police also debunked multiple videos, screenshots and claims circulating on social media that purportedly show political violence, bomb attacks and assaults in Kolkata and Howrah. Different posts blamed rival political parties for the alleged incidents. In another statement, police countered another rumour, saying no “Section 144 restrictions” were imposed anywhere within Kolkata Police jurisdiction. Cops warned that legal action was being initiated against those attempting to disturb public peace through false information. Referring to a forged notice asking residents of Ripon Street, Janbazar and Topsia to “stay indoors”, Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand cautioned citizens against rumour-mongering and fake news. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad also issued a clarification alleging misuse of its name and logo on social media. ABVP identified pages titled ‘Asutosh College Students Union’ and ‘Asutosh College ABVP Unit’ as fake.
