The Assam government on April 7 warned of acting tough against any individual or agency that engages in spreading rumours or fake news, particularly during the present situation.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, media advisor to the Chief Minister Hrishikesh Goswami said, “The government is keeping a close watch on anyone spreading rumours, false news or fake news. We warn people against such acts as we will not hesitate to take tough action against them”.
He informed that nine people have been arrested so far for spreading fake news and 12 cases registered in this regard.
Moreover, 100 social media accounts have been deactivated in the last few days and several posts deleted, Goswami added.
A police case has also been registered against a Bengali-daily of the state for publishing wrong news, he said.
Goswami further said the state’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has formed a five-member committee to deal with menace of fake news.
He urged the public to use social media handles of the DIPR and the Press Information Bureau for checking on any data and information before forwarding it or believing it.
Altogether 27 cases of COVID 19 positive have been detected in the state so far.
