Daijiworld Media Network- Bantwal

Bantwal, Jun 21: In a significant move aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation, the Bantwal Rural police have registered two separate cases against a news channel and a Facebook user for allegedly spreading false and provocative content related to a recent local incident.

The action comes in connection with Crime No. 73/2025, registered on June 21, under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities found that a misleading report was circulated by D TV Kannada on its website dtvkannada.in, titled “Sword attacks continue in Dakshina Kannada; two innocent Muslims attacked while returning home from work in Sajip.”

Police confirmed that the news report was not based on verified facts and had the potential to incite fear and disrupt public peace. Following due legal procedures and obtaining prior permission from the Court, the police have registered a case against the media outlet under Crime No. 75/2025, invoking Section 240 of BNS, for creating public alarm and spreading misinformation. An investigation has been initiated, and further legal steps are being pursued.

In a related development, false information about the same incident was also found circulating on social media. A Facebook account under the name Muhammad Naushad allegedly shared similar unverified and misleading content, thereby contributing to the public fear narrative. Based on a formal request and judicial clearance, police have registered Crime No. 76/2025 under Section 240 of BNS against the said Facebook user at Bantwal Rural police station. The case is currently under investigation.

Police officials have appealed to the public and media platforms to refrain from spreading unverified or sensational content that could endanger communal harmony. Stringent legal action will be taken against individuals or organisations responsible for such acts.