DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (MexN): Nagaland Police has registered two cases in connection with COVID-19 related offences under the IPC, IT Act and the Disaster Management Act.
An update from the Nagaland Police stated that the two cases were registered based on complaints received from the Principal Director, School Education.
One case was registered against an individual identified as one Mero who has been accused of “falsely accusing” the State Government in social media platforms of debiting Rs. 4,500 from his account. On enquiry, it was found that the individual had tried to withdraw Rs. 4,500 from an ATM in Mahipalpur, Delhi. Due to technical issues with the ATM, he could not withdraw the amount but the same was debited from his account, the police said.
Nagaland Police added that the person had already availed the assistance of Rs. 4,000 under the "lam-stranded" government initiative. Police said that he was “dishonestly trying to induce delivery of money for the second time by falsely stating that the State Government has debited money from his account.”
“Further, the said individual has circulated the fake news in social media with the intent to cause fear or alarm to the public which will lead to offences against the State or against public tranquility,” the police added. The accused has been served a summon to appear before the police.
The other case relates an anonymous person who applied for the assistance under the same welfare measure provided by the State Government for people stranded outside the state. The Nagaland Police said that the individual “used obscene words” and fictitious particulars to avail the money being given by the Government.
“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the said person has accessed the portal from Chennai, Tamil Nadu using a Jio allotted IP address,” police informed.
It meanwhile appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified news which may lead to panic/alarm in times of this pandemic. The Nagaland Police cautioned that stringent action will be taken against any individual under the relevant sections of law including Disaster Management Act and the Epidemic Act for any violation of law.
