Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 18: Over 150 persons were detained by Police in South Kashmir district of Pulwama for using WhatsApp groups for spreading fake and malicious news in stone pelting cases and working as Over Ground Workers for militants.
A senior police officer said that after reports of fake and rumour mongering news being spread maliciously to disturb peace and law and order, Pulwama Police initiated a large scale investigation.
“So far, 30 WhatsApp groups which are spreading fake news and rumours, making voice notes viral and spreading chaos have been identified. A total of 65 persons using such WhatsApp groups have been detained, of which 11 are group administrators and 54 are group members”, the officer said.
The official said that 72 persons have been detained for stone pelting and rioting after proper identification and verification through videography and other means. “Out of these, 39 have been booked under different FIRs and 33 have been released after thorough counseling”, he said.
The officer said that 18 Over Ground Workers of the militants were detained by police and are being questioned.
“In addition to this, a total of 18 OGWs have been detained and are being questioned regarding the recent militant attacks on civilians and security establishments”, he said.
The officer said that further investigation is in progress and more arrests are expected.
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