Over 30 cases in one week: Mangaluru police crack down on inflammatory social media posts

Mangaluru police commissioner has issued a social media advisory following the increase in communal, false, misleading, and threatening messages being shared through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp groups, and other social media platforms in the past few days.

Commissioner of Police Anupam Agrawal said that some individuals are misusing these platforms to create disharmony between communities, spread fake news, and threaten others.

"This is a serious violation of the law, and we are treating it with utmost seriousness. Over the last one week alone, more than 30 cases have been registered by Mangaluru city police against such inflammatory and false posts. Such cases are investigated by a dedicated special team under the supervision of the ACP, CEN Crime Police Station," he added.

The Commissioner said the city police are working closely with social media companies, national agencies, and international coordination channels to trace and identify offenders, regardless of where the account was created.

Several young individuals are unknowingly committing cybercrimes, ending up with criminal records that may destroy their careers, travel prospects, and future opportunities.

Appealing to the public to use social media responsibly, he urged the public not to post or forward messages that promote hatred, fear, or falsehoods. If the public receives any messages with suspicious content, then it should be reported to the Nodal officer, ACP CEN— 94808 02321. The identity will be kept confidential.

Regarding offences and punishments, the advisory stated that promoting enmity between groups can lead to imprisonment of up to five years, or a fine, or both.

Those inciting riots or violence may face imprisonment of up to six months a fine, or both. Individuals found guilty of issuing threats could be punished with up to seven years of imprisonment or a fine, or both. Hate speech, whether through spoken words or online content, can attract a punishment of up to two years imprisonment, or a fine, or both. Spreading false information or fake news is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years or a fine, or both.