One arrested in Hyderabad for circulating fake news on social media

Hyderabad police on Tuesday traced the origin of the fake news circulated on the social media to foment communal trouble in the city. The accused was arrested and a case has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and IT Act.

Hyderabad (Telangana):A person has been arrested for allegedly circulating fake news on social media platforms with an intention to incite communal violence in the region, police said on Tuesday.

"Evil people are spreading rumours and fake news. Don't believe them. Tell us who is doing it. Help us in exposing the enemies of peace," Anjani Kumar had said adding that the strength of Hyderabad city is the 'Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb'.

The police chief had on Monday also urged the people to not to forward any message with inflammatory content.

Kumar said that the accused was arrested by Banjara Hills police and a case has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and IT Act.

Police said that they have warned the administrator of the WhatsApp group to ensure that no one in their group spreads any kind of fake news, which may result in communal violence.

An audio message with fake news had been circulating on WhatsApp since Monday. With the fake news forwarded in several WhatsApp groups, there was panic in a section of people.

The cyber crime cell of the police swung into action to trace the origin of the audio message.

(With inputs from ANI and IANS)