April Fool's Day misinformation on Coronavirus could land pranksters 6 months jail: Police

Police on Monday asked people in Pune district of Maharashtra t to spread rumours or false information regarding coronavirus in name of April Fool's Day jokes or pranks on social media. Pune rural police have issued a tification in this regard.

tification warned of penal action under section 188 of IPC if a person is found circulating misinformation and rumours related to deadly disease on social media platforms.

Section 188 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) prescribes punishment for disobeying any order duly promulgated by a public servant. punishment includes imprisonment for a term which may extend up to six months, or with fine which may extend to Rs 1,000, or both.

"On April 1, as a custom people, friends, relatives play harmless pranks with each or by spreading hoax among each or. However, in current situation when a lockdown is in force to contain spread of coronavirus, people should t spread any such information or messs or rumour regarding virus and lockdown on social media which can create confusion among people and may lead to violation of lockdown," stated NarayanShirgaonkar, sub-divisional police officer, Pune rural police, in tification.

He said people found spreading misinformation and hoaxes will be penalised under IPC section 188.

"Even administrators of messaging applications should caution group members on issue and change settings to "admin only", officer added.