Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken a decisive step against the spread of fake news by lodging a police complaint and accusing those behind it of creating disinformation. The incident revolves around a fabricated news report that sparked controversy, leading to legal action against several individuals and groups.
The chief minister’s move comes in response to a fake news story circulating on social media platforms, allegedly created by miscreants with support from the BJP and JD(S) alliance. Siddaramaiah emphasized his commitment to address the issue through legal channels, stating his determination to identify and hold accountable the perpetrators of such misinformation.
The complaint, filed by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Legal Cell Secretary Harish Nagaraj, resulted in the registration of a case by the Cyber Crime police station in Bengaluru West Division. The case was filed under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and Indian Penal Code.
Among those named in the police complaint are Prabhakar Reddy, Vasant Giliyar, Vijay Heragu, Pandu Modi Ka Parivar, BSY Supporters, Davangere BJP, and Datri Goshale. These individuals and groups are accused of sharing the fake news report on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
The fabricated news report in question carried a headline in Kannada stating, “We don’t need Hindus. Muslim votes are enough: Siddaramaiah.” It also included a sub-heading attributing controversial statements to Siddaramaiah regarding his preference for being born as a Muslim in the next birth and dismissing BJP’s criticism of Muslim appeasement.
Siddaramaiah condemned the dissemination of such fake news, citing its potential to fuel communal tensions. He expressed confidence in the police’s ability to investigate and take necessary action against those responsible for spreading misinformation.
The chief minister criticized the BJP and JD(S) for resorting to deceitful tactics rather than engaging in fair political discourse. He called out the intellectual bankruptcy of manufacturing fake news to influence elections, urging the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it.
This incident highlights the growing concern over the spread of fake news and the urgent need for measures to combat misinformation in today’s digital age. Siddaramaiah’s swift action underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of information and holding accountable those who misuse digital platforms for malicious purposes.
Sources By Agencies
