Police nab two more for spreading rumours about Jaya’s health on social media

Mani Selvam, a bank employee, and Bala Sundaram were the latest to be arrested by the Central Crime Branch police.

Two persons, who allegedly circulated rumours on social media about the health status of Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, were arrested, police said on Thursday.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa has been in the hospital since September 22. (AFP Photo)

Police had warned of stern action against those spreading rumours on the health of Jayalalitha, who is undergoing treatment at a corporate hospital here, and have registered 43 cases so far. Already, two persons have been arrested for spreading such rumours.

28-year-old, Mani Selvam, a bank employee, hailing from Ottapidaram Taluk, Tuticorin and 42-year-old Bala Sundaram hailing from Pammal, Chennai, were the latest to be arrested by the Central Crime Branch police, an official press release said.

Soon after Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration, rumours were circulating about her health on social networking sites including Facebook and WhatsApp.

Read| Medical bulletins on Jayalalithaa’s health hide more than they reveal

To end such rumours, the police have formed a team comprising private cyber experts to keep a watch on those who spread false information about the health and warned of strong action against those involved in such acts.