Fake news: 140 held, 586 warned in state

Police have arrested 140 people and cautioned 586 across the state for creating, circulating, posting, and forwarding fake news related to Covid-19 on social media.

At least 180 cases have been registered in connection with such offences till May 2, the police said. In Calcutta, 10 people have been arrested and 300 cautioned.

Earlier this week, cops had registered a case with Burtolla police station and arrested two men whose telephone conversation, which apparently had fake and exaggerated content on Covid-19, was found circulating on social media.

“People who are creating and sharing fake content, which is likely to cause panic among people, and misrepresenting facts about Covid-19 are being arrested.