Himachal Police to act tough on disaster rumour-mongers

Taking serious note of individuals spreading false information during natural disasters, the Himachal Pradesh Police has announced strict action, including filing FIRs, against such offenders.

Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari has directed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) across the state to closely monitor social media platforms and take immediate action against those found circulating fake news or rumours related to disasters.

“Some anti-social elements misuse disaster situations to spread misinformation, creating panic among the public and hampering rescue operations,” said DGP Tewari. He emphasised that such actions not only mislead people but also delay critical emergency responses.

The police have urged social media users to exercise caution and avoid sharing unverified content. Citizens are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any disaster-related information before forwarding it to others. The public has also been asked to report false or suspicious news to the nearest police station, dial the Police Control Room at 100 or contact the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.