Fake news cuffs on 29-year-old in Calcutta

A 29-year-old Behala resident was arrested for allegedly posting false information about the spread of Covid-19 cases in a WhatsApp group for guardians of a kindergarten school in New Alipore where her child studies.

The post claimed that 15 residents of a New Alipore block had tested positive for the coronavirus and urged everyone not to step out to buy essentials.

The woman has been charged under Section 505(1)(b) of IPC that deals with conducting public mischief with intent to cause or which is likely to cause fear or alarm to the public or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquillity. The maximum punishment for the offence could be up to three years.