The Nagaland police traced the creator of the fake news of a coronavirus case being detected in the state.
More than 30 people, who forwarded the fake news, were summoned to cyber crime police station in Kohima so far and their statements recorded, Kohima superintendent of police (crime) and PRO Manoj Kumar said in a release on Wednesday.
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The fake news had originated through text message in Whatsapp by Lumchano Kithan, daughter of Yisao Kithan, of Old Changsu village of Wokha district and presently residing at PWD Colony, Dimapur, the release said.
Kithan had composed the text message and sent the same to her friends which eventually went viral.
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A minor person had created the video of the purported coronavirus case detection after seeing the fake news on WhatsApp, it said.
During the course of investigation, it has been found that many people had forwarded the said news through many social media platforms/groups without verifying its authenticity.
Police said there are two mediums – text message and video – to spread the fake news on social media.
The release said many unscrupulous elements are posting/forwarding fake news/rumours, causing panic and alarm in the public.
Police warned that spreading of fake news/rumours is a criminal offence.
They appealed to all individuals, institutions, organisations to avoid using print media, electronic or social media for dissemination of any information regarding Covid-19 without ascertaining facts.
The police also appealed to the people to rely on official press releases or statements from the state health and family welfare department.