Cyberabad Police books retired Army Major for communal 'fake news'; man claims 'satire'

Cyberabad Police on Monday booked a retired Major of Army for allegedly posting fake news on a social media platform with ‘intention of disrupting communal harmony’.

Cyber Crime Police ticed that Twitter account holder "skindoctor13" created a fake news article by editing an old news report in an English daily as 'Cyberabad Police Bans sale of Oranges in City', an official release said.

'Cybarabad police banned display of Oranges in city'

Twitter account holder also attached a morphed photo of senior police officers of Cyberabad Police Commissionerate with fake news, it said. 'In fake news/article it was mentioned that to boost secularism to hilt, Cyberabad police banned display, sale and consumption of Oranges in City as saffron colour of oranges is hurting religious sentiments,'  release said.

As post is likely to promote enmity between different religions and prejudicial to maintenance of communal harmony, a criminal case was registered against retired army Major for posting fake news, Cyberabad Police said. Cyberabad is one of three Police Commissionerates covering Hyderabad and its adjoining areas.

According to a report by a news daily, same user owns two Twitter and, two Instagram handles as well. Commissioner Sajjanar told daily that accused named Major Neel Chaudhary (retd) has been traced to Chandigarh and is yet to be contacted.

'Any lawyer friend who can help me with this?'

Meanwhile, ‘Skin Doctor’ on Tuesday in a tweet wrote, “Cyberabad police has filed a case against me for a satire. A satire y perceived as "fake news" despite a disclaimer. How absurd it is! Any lawyer friend who can help me with this? Also, one more request. If anyone can find out FIR number so that I can proceed accordingly.”

BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga responded to tweet by writing, "File Online complaint on ur state police website and send copy. Will arrange everything, don't worry."

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BJP National Executive member and chief of party's Hyderabad unit N Ramchander Rao has also come out in support of " Skin Doctor" and has requested Telangana DGP to withdraw case.

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(with PTI inputs)