In a decisive move to curb the spread of misinformation on social media amid prevailing circumstances, the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police detained two individuals on Saturday for circulating fake videos on various social media platforms. The videos caused unwarranted panic among the public.
During a press conference, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rupinder Singh revealed that the detained individuals had shared the misleading videos from their personal social media accounts. Acting swiftly, the Ludhiana Police’s Social Media cell launched an investigation after receiving reports of the videos, leading to the detention of the two youths.
He noted that the social media cell is conducting an in-depth analysis of the suspects’ social media profiles to uncover any additional violations or related activities. DCP Singh issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to refrain from creating, sharing, or promoting fake videos and other forms of misleading content on social media.
He emphasized that such actions not only disrupt public order but also undermine the district administration’s efforts to maintain safety and security. “Spreading misinformation is a serious offense, and those found guilty will face stringent legal action as per the Ludhiana Police’s zero-tolerance policy toward social media misuse,” Singh stated.
To foster responsible online behavior, the DCP appealed to citizens to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it, advising them to rely on credible and official sources. He underscored the importance of collective responsibility in supporting the authorities to uphold peace and communal harmony in the region.
Singh also highlighted the proactive role of the Ludhiana Police’s cybercrime unit and social media cell in monitoring online platforms and combating misinformation. For immediate assistance or to report suspicious content, Singh encouraged residents to contact the dedicated helpline at 78370-18500 or the emergency number 112.
District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) Ludhiana Puneet Pal Singh Gill also urged the public to adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid legal repercussions. He recommended cross-checking information through the official social media accounts of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ludhiana and the District Public Relations Office (DPRO) on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X for accurate and verified updates.
He said that they can residents can also check any information regarding blackouts, videos etc by calling at the control room numbers of District Administration Ludhiana (0161-2403100), Police Commissionerate Ludhiana (78370-18500), Ludhiana (Rural) Police (8556019100), Khanna Police (9592914053) or Emergency 112.