West Bengal: 3 killed by mob in an week over social media hoax, police to take strict action
According to reports, in last seven days, at least three persons were killed and several others were injured in mob-attacks over social media rumor at three different locations in Nadia, Burdwan and Hooghly districts of West Bengal.
"We have seen since last 15 days that few anti-social elements are deliberately spreading rumors on social networking sites. They are claiming that few persons, covering their faces with masks, have entered few districts and bordering areas of West Bengal with an aim to rob houses, molest women and lift children," Director General (DG) of state police, Surajit Kar Purakayastha, said during a press conference in Kolkata on Monday.
"Spreading these kind of rumors is a serious criminal offence and besides West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police are also monitoring the matter," DGP Purakayastha said.
The official also said that strict legal actions will be taken against the persons, who are sharing these rumors on social networking platforms.
"We have already booked 25 persons in connection with the case and will catch more, involved in spreading rumors," Surajit Kar Purakayastha further said.
The state police, however, have appealed to the people to keep peace in Bengal.
"We appeal to the people not to listen to these rumors and to inform the police instead of taking law into own hands," DGP added.
(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
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