'Action against those spreading false information': Mumbai Police reject fake social media claims on 'kidnapped' children

Mumbai Police on Monday denied reports claiming the unit had issued an alert over an alleged spike in human trafficking involving minor children.

The police said they “categorically deny” the claim circulating in the media and on social media platforms.

Taking to X, the Mumbai Police said, “Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims.”

The police said steps are being taken against individuals “deliberately spreading false information and creating public panic”.

“Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and creating public panic, is under process,” the statement added.

What was the false information?

The message, that went viral on social media platforms, alleged that 12 minors, including eight girls aged between 8 and 15, had gone missing across seven police station jurisdictions in Mumbai within a span of 36 hours.

According to the post, four children were said to have gone missing from Shivaji Park, two from Antop Hill, and three from areas such as Mankhurd and Bangur Nagar.

It further claimed that kidnapping cases were registered and hinted at involvement of organised trafficking networks.

Several alarmed residents forwarded the post and urged authorities to issue a red alert.

The comments sections of the social media posts reflected widespread public fear as many questioned why the media had not highlighted the issue more prominently.

The police stepped in to address public anxiety by dismissing the claims as "rumour mongering". What is the police advisory to citizens?

The police urged residents not to believe baseless claims and unverified forwards on social media.

They further asked citizens to rely on official police handles and follow updates from them, warning that sharing false alerts can cause panic and may invite legal action.