Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM/SP)
Udupi, Jan 28: Although it has been over six weeks since the boat, 'Suvarna Tribhuja' along with seven fishermen left Malpe shore and went missing without a trace, a message which was circulated in a social media succeeded in spreading confusion and chaos. The message claimed that the boat in question had been found from Sri Lanka, and that the spirit popularly known as Bobbarya Daiva in coastal Karnataka, which had earlier promised to ensure safe return of the boat and its fishermen during the divine query, had kept up its assurance.
As the message went viral, families of the fishermen concerned and the police personnel faced a piquant situation. The police department has clarified that this message is nothing but an unsubstantiated rumour.
Suvarna Tribhuja - File photo
The claim that the boat had been found in Sri Lanka has been making rounds in the social media since the last two days. The message succeeded in creating ripples and making some strong impact on Sunday. Many believed it to be true. Several of them hailed Bobbarya Daiva by spreading the message with the hash tag that the spirit had proved the potential of its divine power.
The fishermen, who also faced lot of discomfort on account of this false message, have demanded strong action against people spreading false information through social media. Several leaders have urged the people not to spread this false news as it inflicts more pain on the family members who are already facing a crisis because of not having any information about their missing family members.
Action sought
The police department and departments connected with fishing have firmly denied the above information. They said that the departments have not got any information on the above lines. Many leaders have demanded strong legal action against miscreants indulging in spreading of rumours. Senior police officers, who said that they do not have any information about the finding of the boat, confirmed that the information spread through WhatsApp is outright false. They have warned of acting against people who are involved with spreading of rumour and creating confusion.
Some messages said that Bobbarya Daiva had said that the boat was in the north of Karnataka coast whereas Sri Lanka, where the boat is claimed to have been found, is located to the south.
A Sintex tank used for storing water was found at Belikeri port in Uttara Kannada district. It was shown to Jogayya, a fisherman of the boat who was on rotational leave at the time of the tragedy. He confirmed that the tank does not belong to 'Suvarna Tribhuja' boat, Sathish Kunder said.