We will catch culprits soon, probe is on, govt assures

From appeals to threats of strict action, the home ministry on Thursday tried to reassure people from northeastern parts about their security and promised the establishment will get to the bottom of the rumour-mongering that led thousands of people to flee Karnataka in panic.

From appeals to threats of strict action, the home ministry on Thursday tried to reassure people from northeastern parts about their security and promised the establishment will get to the bottom of the rumour-mongering that led thousands of people to flee Karnataka in panic.

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The ministry also advised Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to reach out to people from the North-East living in their areas to allay apprehensions of a threat of their security.

On its part, the home ministry also told intelligence agencies and the state police to scan social media and investigate SMSes to identify the source of the rumours.

"Our request to them (people from the North-East living in states such as Karnataka) is please do not give credentials to rumours. Whoever is spreading rumours, we will catch them, we are following them," Union home secretary RK Singh said.

"If rumours are spread, strict action will be taken against those who indulge in such activities," Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said, adding people were being asked to share information on rumour mongers.

Agencies have already indicated that the Maharashtra mob violence during a protest against killings in Assam appeared to be orchestrated.