In a swift action against the spread of misinformation, the Mangaluru City Police have arrested a young man for allegedly creating and sharing a provocative and misleading post on social media. The arrest underscores the authorities' zero-tolerance policy towards content that threatens to disrupt public peace and communal harmony.
The Arrest and the Accused
The individual taken into custody has been identified as Mohammed Shamil, aged 22. A resident of Kumpala in the Udupi district, Shamil was arrested by a specialized team from the Mangaluru Commissionerate's Cyber Crime, Economic Offences and Narcotics (CEN) police station. The arrest was made based on a complaint filed at the Urwa police station in Mangaluru.
According to police officials, the case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to promoting enmity between different groups and statements conducing to public mischief. The investigation revealed that the accused was responsible for the contentious social media content.
Nature of the Misleading Post
The post in question, which circulated on a popular social media platform, contained false and inflammatory claims about a communal incident. It allegedly suggested an altercation involving individuals from different communities in the Udupi district. However, a thorough verification by the police established that no such incident had occurred in the mentioned area or time frame.
Law enforcement officials stated that the fabricated post was designed to mislead the public and incite tension. By presenting a fictional narrative as fact, the accused attempted to manipulate sentiments and disturb the prevailing social harmony in the coastal region.
Police Action and Broader Implications
The arrest was the result of prompt and coordinated efforts. Upon identifying the post as potentially dangerous, the Mangaluru police initiated a probe. The cyber cell traced the origin of the post to Mohammed Shamil, leading to his apprehension.
Senior police officers have reiterated a strong warning against the misuse of social media platforms. They emphasized that creating or sharing content with the intent to spread hatred, cause fear, or disrupt public order is a serious offence and will be met with strict legal action. This case serves as a clear reminder of the legal consequences awaiting those who weaponize digital spaces to sow discord.
The police have also appealed to the public to exercise caution and responsibility while engaging on social media. Citizens are urged to verify information from credible sources before sharing and to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that could lead to societal unrest.
