Mumbai: Beware of fake messages, rumors doing rounds on WhatsApp
What's the story
Following the incessant rains in Mumbai, fake messages, traffic-alerts, and rumors of cyclone have been doing the rounds on WhatsApp, spreading panic among people. Several rumors claimed Phyan cyclone was approaching, and Mumbai would receive high rainfall, creating a 2005 deluge-like situation. Rumors of the closure of Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Pedder Road, Sion Bridge, and Bandra-Santa Cruz SV Road were also forwarded. Know more!
WhatsApp Rumors
Authorities post clarifications on Twitter
While Twitterati lambasted the fake WhatsApp alerts that spread panic, the Mumbai Police and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell went on an overdrive on the microblogging site to clarify things. Mumbai Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar and BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta quashed the rumors. Disaster Management Act's Section-54 stipulates one-year imprisonment for spreading rumors; Mehta asked police to take action against such users.
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BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta's statement
Ajoy Mehta said: "There is clear understanding between the police and the municipal corporation. And we worked in tandem to ensure that greater public good is delivered and effectively." He said BMC disaster management cell's communications officers worked overtime to dispel rumors.