Rajasthan police sets up social media cell to counter rumors

Jaipur: Rajasthan police headquarters (PHQ) have set up a special cell just to run its social media channels. The cell will expose rumors by posting factual content on any communal incident that threaten social harmony and also keep a tab on those who spread fake posts. An add SP-level officer will be in-charge of this cell, senior police officers said. The cell will run the state police’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp accounts.

The cell has been formed by the state police’s crime branch. “This is the first of its kind cell in the country that will be entirely dedicated to expose rumors on social media channels,” said a senior police officer.

According to sources, the police brass was concerned over the increasing cases of social media rumors causing communal disharmony. There had been at least two dozen such cases in the state in the recent past.

“An add SP level officer will be the in-charge of this cell, heading a team of at least 10 cops. We will further strengthen the cell in the future and have a dedicated budget and manpower to run it,” said the officer.

The cops had to impose curfew in Jaitaran town for almost a week when a petty fight between two groups during a religious procession was blown out of proportion on the social media channels by some anti-social elements.

Similarly, a verbal spat between a commuter and a police constable in Jaipur’s Ramganj area led to a serious law and order situation. A man was killed in clashes between police and the local residents. Rumors on social media were blamed for the riots.

People will be able to post comments and get answers to their queries related to any type of police services.