Shillong: Close on the heels of yet another viral "fake news" in Meghalaya regarding a rumoured Shillong, the Director of Information and Public Relations of Meghalaya has filed a First Information Report with the Officer In-charge the Cyber Crime Police Station in Shillong for taking necessary action as per relevant provisions of law against the culprits.
As per reports, the rumour of another lockdown in Shillong to contain the novel coronavirus went viral on WhatsApp on Sunday, September 20. This fake post, which spread like wirldfire on social media, stated: "Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma has announced a complete lockdown on Monday and Tuesday in Shillong agglomeration. Lockdown will be used to trace contacts of the cases reported in Shillong. Citizens urged to cooperate fully."
Meanwhile, the Assistant Director (News) Doordarshan Kendra, Shillong, has also informed that an FIR has been filed with the Station Head Officer of the Madanrting Police Station in Shillong against the circulation of fake news on social media using the logo of DD News Shillong.
"Fake news" has become an increasingly common phenomenon on social amidst the ongoing pandemic, for people are now glued to their screens for news updates regarding the same. Rumour mongers have had a field day in the post COVID world as people have become more susceptible to believing "fake news" in these trying and testing times.