Kol cops grapple with fake news flood

Kolkata: Kolkata Police has been grappling with a fresh challenge since the past week — controlling fake news. While it initially started with fake circulars, beginning with "restrictions" on certain areas of the city, the latest fakes doing the rounds relate to the reported transfer of 93 cops — from DCPs to constables — out of Kolkata and revoking the suspension of a KP personnel who was found violating the social media norms during the election.The cybercrime wing of Lalbazar has launched a massive manhunt on who circulated the fake transfer list and even approached individuals and groups for help. Cops are also trying to locate the owner of a FB profile in this regard. Kolkata Police also took to social media to warn citizens not to be misled by such news. "Deceptive lists/posts claiming transfers and promotions of Kolkata Police personnel are being circulated on social media. These claims are entirely false and devoid of any authenticity.... Kolkata Police is closely monitoring the spread of such misinformation, and legal action is being initiated. Citizens are urged not to share unverified information and to rely solely on official sources," stated the Kolkata Police on both FB and the X platforms. Cops have also reacted strongly to fake news related to law and order in the city and alleged migration of members of a certain community from the city. "Certain deceptive videos/posts are being circulated on social media with false claims regarding the law and order situation in Kolkata/West Bengal. Verification has revealed that these visuals are unrelated, and the claims being made are completely false. Kolkata Police is closely monitoring such misinformation, and legal action is being initiated against those spreading false content," stated Lalbazar. Earlier, TOI reported on how cops warned against fake orders restricting movement of citizens. "Several fake and misleading posts are being circulated on social media regarding the imposition of Section 144. It is clarified that no such order has been imposed within KP jurisdiction. Kolkata Police is closely monitoring such content," cops stated.