Social media misuse triggered tension 42 times in 9 months

BHOPAL: Troublemakers in Dhar and Khandwa and other places misused social media, including WhatsApp and Facebook to trigger tension in the state. Misuse has led to tension in communally sensitive places for 42 times in the state after objectionable post on social networking sites. The incidents took place in 24 districts of the state between January and September 15 this year.

After a similar incident that triggered tension in Talaiyya in Bhopal earlier this week during Eid, police are holding an investigation. Officials said an FIR would be registered once investigations are over.

Among 42 incidents, maximum 14 incidents were reported in Indore zone, followed by 12 in Jabalpur zone, one in Bhopal, seven in Ujjain, two each in Gwalior, Shahdol and Balaghat and one in Hoshangabad zone. 39 people were arrested under sections of IPC and IT Act.

Additional director general of police (cyber cell) Ashok Dohare said the local police can register FIR in such incidents. Cyber cell provides technical assistance in finding out from where a message has been originated or posted.

Former director general of police Nandan Dubey has also issued orders few months ago to SPs of all districts to take prompt action against those using social media as a tool to spread rumours for disturbing communal harmony.

Two more incidents, one in Hanumanganj and another Tilajamalpura area, were witnessed in the city in the past one month where in misleading messages have sparked tension.

Social sites & hotspots

July 30: One person was killed leading to communal tension in Khandwa town after an objectionable post on a social networking site forcing administration to impose curfew. The incident led to Indore administration banning inflammatory messages on social networking sites

June 25: Hindu radical organizations went on the rampage after a youth in Mandla district insulted national flag by posting and sharing a caricature of dog wrapped in tricolour and a lion in Pakistan's national flag

August 12: Trouble erupted in Shahdol district in wake of posting of objectionable content on social media. Protests spilled out on streets, first in Dhanpuri town and later in district headquarters and Gopahru. A youth, Sandip Jain, was arrested for the post