As reported on 11th March, 2020, 11 people, including women, have been arrested for allegedly spreading fake news on the social media platform regarding the recent outbreak of coronavirus.
The fake news consisted of a person affected with coronavirus who was detected in the state of Mizoram. The news concerned a Singapore returnee who was suspected to have the symptoms.
A suo motu case against the eleven accused has been registered under Section 505 (1)(b) of Indian Penal Code, 1860 [intent to cause fear or alarm to the public] at the Vaivakawn police station.
The Mizoram Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) John Neihlaia said, "All the accused were released on bail on Wednesday."
A further investigation found that the 31-year old Singapore returnee was screened twice, first at Kolkata airport and then at Lengpui airport, upon her return to the country on March 03, 2020 and did not show any symptoms of the disease.
Author - Dyuti Pandya
