Thiruvananthapuram: The police will take action against those spreading false news in the social media about the ongoing floods. Wrong messages about the opening of dams, snags in electricity and disruption of traffic were being circulated on WhatsApp and Facebook by some sources.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that at a time when all were engaged in rescue and relief activities, some were spreading false messages on the social media and other platforms to create panic in the minds of the people. "The police have been directed to take stringent action against such people," Mr Vijayan told reporters.
Fake messages had warned that the shutters of all major dams in the state would be opened causing deluge in various parts of the state. The storage level in Idukki dam is just 35 per cent, said the chief minister.
The level was 98.25 per cent of its full capacity at this time last year. Even if there is heavy rainfall in the catchment area, the dam can store all the water. "There is no need for any panic," he said. Such fake messages should not be forwarded, he added.
In Pampa, the water storage is 60.68 per cent compared to 99 per cent last year. Similarly the water levels in Kakki, Sholayar and Idamalayar dams, which were full last year, are just 50 per cent, he said.
The state police has also warned of strict action against those who circulate fake news. The cyber dome, cyber police and the hitech cell functioning at the police headquarters have begun an inquiry into the source of such rumours.
DGP Loknath Behera said that legal actions, including arrest, will be initiated against the guilty.
Those who receive such messages should report to the district disaster management office or the control room functioning directly under the DGP (0471- 2722500 or 9497900).
