Hyderabad: Fake news and false messages are being rampantly shared on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, particular in the Old City, which is resulting in false propaganda and adversely affecting the efficiency of the Police department, Telangana home minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali said on Tuesday, August 22.
He was speaking at a high-level meeting with top officials where law and order situation in the city was discussed, particularly in view of social media outburst following the murder of Shaik Sayeed Bawazir.
Several senior officials including principal secretary, home secretary, Telangana DGP, additional DG CID, commissioners of police and others attended the meeting.
The home minister said that Telangana police was doing an efficient work in maintenance of law and order and reducing crime.
Mahmood Ali said, recently, there was an increase of land-related crimes, circulation of fake and wrong news/messages on social media, particularly in Barkas, Chandrayangutta, Pahadishareef, Bandlaguda and other areas of the Old City.
The home minister said that Telangana police was doing efficient work and reducing crime as well as introducing and implementing many innovative citizen-centric schemes and reforms. “The efforts of Telangana police in controlling crime has brought a good repute to the state in the entire country,” he said.
The minister also directed the DGP to keep a close vigil on the activities of rowdy-sheeters round the clock and keep surveillance on activities of anti-social elements at isolated places.
He also directed senior police officers to ensure that function halls, hotels, gyms, pan shops, particularly in Old City area, are closed down as per the notified timings.
Expressing concern over the spread of false information, he appealed to people, especially in the Old City, to stay cautious. “The misinformation spread by anti-social elements and groups has become a nuisance,” he said.
Principal secretary of home department Jithender, DGP Anjani Kumar, CP Hyderabad CV Anand, additional DG (CID) Mahesh Bhagwat, CP Rachakonda DS Chouhan, CP Cyberabad Stephen Ravindra participated in the meeting.
