Being an administrator of a WhatsApp group can land you in serious trouble, if your group is found to be spreading rumours, especially on sensitive matters.
Being an administrator of a WhatsApp group can land you in serious trouble, if your group is found to be spreading rumours, especially on sensitive matters. The Nashik cyber cell on Friday arrested seven people, including the administrators of WhatsApp groups, for spreading rumours in the city in connection with the sexual assault of a minor.
According to the police, they have been booked for circulating objectionable messages and pictures on WhatsApp, thus instigating people. The accused were arrested under section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (promoting disharmony) and were later released on bail.
“People should show utmost care before forwarding any post, video or photograph, which may harm social harmony. If they find anyone spreading rumours that will disrupt the peace, they should inform the police and not forward such messages,” said Nashik police commissioner Ravindra Singhal.
The situation in Nashik has been tense for several days after a five-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 15-year-old at Talegaon village in Trimbakeshwar. Violence erupted in Nashik with 20 vehicles being torched by an angry mob.
Schools and colleges, which were also closed, have been re-opened from Thursday. However, the Internet service, which was suspended following the agitation, is yet to start. It is expected to start from Saturday. According to the police, 117 people have been arrested after violence broke out following the rape incident and 53 criminal offences had been registered in the Nashik city and rural areas.
The girl, who was sexually assaulted, is recuperating in the hospital. The accused has been booked under the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Meanwhile, Sahebrao Pawar, a Dalit youth, who has filed a petition in the Bombay high court seeking directions for the government to provide adequate protection to Dalits in Nashik.
He told The Asian Age that there was not much improvement in the health of his cousin Shivaji Shinde (32), who was admitted in the Coronary Care Unit of the state-run JJ Hospital after he was attacked by a mob at Sanjegaon village, Nashik on Wednesday.
