In the backdrop of several incidents of mob violence in Rayagada, Nayagarh, Baleswar and Ganjam districts where innocent strangers were thrashed on suspicion of being child lifters, the State police issued an advisory on Tuesday warning of stringent action against miscreants who are spreading the rumours on social media platforms, informed DGP RP Sharma.
The advisory stated not to send such messages or forward any such messages regarding the fake news on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
In the State, there are many persons who don’t know Odia as they come from different States in search of employment or education. One should not suspect them as child lifters if someone is unable to speak Odia.
Rumour mongers are spreading news that the child lifters are removing kidneys and eyes of children, but these organ removals can be done only under doctor’s precision or else it will be of no use, the advisory pointed out. The advisory said if people notice any suspected non-Odia person in your locality, they should inform the nearest police station or Superintendent of Police of the district.
The police will investigate and the guilty will be punished as per law.
All the police personnel have been directed that they should keep a hawk’s eye on any suspicious activities in their area. If any innocent and harmless person is harassed mentally or physically on the suspicion of child lifting, the police will take stringent action.
Besides, the advisory urged the people not take law into their own hands. Instead, they should take the help of police.