Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 14: Inspector general of police (IGP) of western range, which is headquartered in the city, P Harishekaran, observed that of late, anti social elements have been misusing social websites like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, v-chat, skype etc for spreading false information and rumours, meddle with the environment in the society, which in turn create law and order problems. He asserted that spreading false messages through social websites and other means is illegal.

"Harbouring enmity and hatred between different sections of the people on the basis of religion, ancestry, birth place, residence, language etc, uttering words and doing things that might disturb harmony, conveying written messages or signs, written words and visuals which might give rise to or vitiate harmony between people, expose the violators to the risk of being sentenced with imprisonment up to three years or ordered to pay penalty or both," he warned.

The IGP said that people who spread false messages which have the potential of disturbing social health through will be liable for stringent legal measures under section 153 (A) of Indian Penal Code and 66 (A) of I T Act.