In UP, Pilibhit police beat WhatsApp rumour mongers at their own game

Police circulate a video to counter social media messages spreading rumours of a custodial death

Beating rumour mongers at their own game, police officials in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit used mobile messaging application WhatsApp to quell rumours and restore peace in Gaubhoj village of the district.

In recent days, rumour mongers have used social media to create bad blood among people that, in some cases, resulted in arson, violence and deaths. (Reuters photo for representation)

In recent days, rumour mongers have used social media to create bad blood among people that, in some cases, resulted in arson, violence and deaths.

After Gaubhoj residents clashed with police over demolition of a temple on May 23 and 24, tension returned to the area on Friday following rumours of custodial death of a woman prisoner Gomti Devi. The woman was arrested on May 25 following the violence and is said to be one of the masterminds behind the clashes.

The rumours started with a WhatsApp message, which started doing the rounds on Friday evening, and eventually spurred the district administration into taking damage-control measures.

“The message stated that Devi died under mysterious circumstances in the district prison and went on to accuse the police for the death,” said Pilibhit superintendent of police (SP) Devranjan Verma. “It was a rumour but some villagers used it to incite others,” he added.

The rumours worked for the conspirators as villagers started gathering near the Assam highway at around 6 pm on Friday. This sent the police administration into a tizzy. Administrative officials also took notice of the development.

It was then that the SP rushed to the district prison to find out about Gomti’s condition. The officer also recorded a short video, which showed Gomti holding the day’s newspaper while the officer inquired about her health.

The 57 second video was then circulated on various WhatsApp groups, along with a message from the SP, stating that Devi was alive.

Later, four police teams visited the village and announced the news of Devi’s well-being on loudspeakers. “The team also met the seniors of the village and showed them the video,” the officer said.

The teams continued their endeavour for peace till past 10 pm and returned only after most of the villagers retired for the night.

People who gathered on the highway also dispersed after watching the video.

During investigation police identified two people who allegedly started the rumour mischief. “We have identified Tara Chand Kashyap and Anil Kumar of the village. According to surveillance, they posted the message about Gomti’s death on the social network site,” claimed the officer.