The Maharashtra government has warned pranksters against hoaxes around the coronavirus on April Fool’s Day. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said as the State and country are fighting the pandemic, people must not indulge in spreading hoaxes. “Those who spread hoaxes will face cases under cyber crime,” he added.
Pulling a prank on friends will not be the same this year, as the government machinery in all districts will be on high alert.
Pune rural police have issued a notification warning action under Section 188 of the IPC against those circulating misinformation and rumours related to Covid-19 on social media platforms. The punishment includes imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both. For spread of misinformation on WhatsApp groups, the admins will be held responsible.
Kerala State Police Chief Loknath Behra has also said that stringent action will be taken against those who make fake posters on coronavirus or lockdown and share them on social media on April Fool’s Day. Such miscreants will be arrested and prosecuted.
High-tech Crime Inquiry Cell, Cyberdome, Cyber Police Stations and Cyber Cell in various districts have been instructed to find the makers and propagators of such messages. Behra has also instructed to strictly monitor social media platforms.
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