 "Nagpur violence: Maharashtra cyber dept cracks down on social media accounts with 'provocative' posts")
After communal clashes erupted in Nagpur over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, the Maharashtra State Cyber Department has taken strict action against several social media accounts for sharing inflammatory content related to the recent riots.
Officials identified over 140 posts, videos, and messages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube that were allegedly intended to incite communal tensions.
Authorities say these posts were deliberately created to provoke religious sentiments and escalate unrest. The riots have already caused major damage to public property, and several people, including police officers, have lost their lives. The spread of misinformation online has worsened the situation.
Initial investigations reveal that the violence was triggered by rumours circulated through social media posts.
Violence breaks out after rumours
Clashes broke out after false claims spread online that a Quran had been burned during a protest by right-wing groups demanding the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department and Nagpur City Cyber Police have sent takedown notices under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, to remove the content immediately. They have also issued notices under Section 94 of the BNSS, 2023, to identify those behind these accounts.
A senior officer from Maharashtra Cyber said, “Social media is being misused to spread hatred and misinformation. We are closely monitoring platforms to ensure that communal harmony is not disturbed further. Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for spreading provocative content."
Maharashtra Police have advised people to be careful when sharing information online. They urge citizens to verify content before forwarding it, as spreading false news can have serious consequences.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsOfficials have assured that those found guilty of using the internet to disrupt peace will face legal action.
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