Crackdown on social media misuse by rowdies

Madurai: South zone police undertook a three-day coordinated special enforcement drive across districts under it to identify and curb misuse of social media platforms by criminal and rowdy elements.The operation, ‘Digital Vigil,' was undertaken from Feb 22 to 24. It focused on scrubbing the internet of content that glorifies violence, including brandishing of illegal weapons, or inciting public disorder. As part of it, district social media monitoring cells engaged in intensive cyber patrolling to flag posts that promote group hatred, criminal intimidation, or glorification of narcotics. Officials said the drive was not just surveillance but a proactive measure to prevent online provocations from escalating into real-world violence or reckless road rage incidents.Dindigul district registered the highest number of cases with 13 FIRs, followed by Sivaganga with 11. Other significant actions were recorded in Thoothukudi (9), Tirunelveli district and city (9), and Theni (6). Ramanathapuram (5), Madurai (4), Tenkasi (3), Virudhunagar (3), and Kanyakumari (1) also saw legal interventions.All cases were booked under relevant provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Beyond criminal prosecution, police initiated formal procedures to block offending content and accounts. Authorities stressed that sustained enforcement will continue to ensure accountability in digital spaces and promote responsible online conduct among youth.