Beware! Sharing mischievous messages on WhatsApp, FB may land you in jail

Mangaluru, Aug 25: Forwarding or sharing messages, memes or videos containing derogatory content, unverified information or rumours on any social media platform may lead to your arrest under Section 505 of Indian Penal Code.

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner M Chandra Sekhar has warned that penal action will be taken against persons who are misusing social networking sites like Facebook and popular smartphone messenger WhatsApp to create disturbance in society.

Mr. Chandra Sekhar told reporters that unverified information and mischievous messages were being circulated through WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks. “We are closely monitoring these mediums. If we find anything offensive, then we will register criminal cases against such persons,” he said.

The top cop said that people should be careful while forwarding messages and information received by them. “If people find questionable content, then they should forward it to the police. We will take action,” he said adding that the creator of mischievous messages and those forwarding them can be booked.

Police will make use of evidence available in the digital form to book such offenders, he said adding that there is a provision to register suo-moto case against such mischief mongers. He also said that the police are in the process of charge-sheeting three persons in different cases that took place in April, where the accused spread rumours on social media platform in order to create tension in society.

What is IPC 505?

Section says whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report (b) with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquillity; or (c) with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to six to three years or with fine, or with both.