5 days ago
Fake Mexico video being spread as Shamsherganj incident, say cops, warn of action
1
2
Kolkata: Bengal Police on Thursday warned about a fake video doing the rounds that used visuals from an old clash in Mexico to pass them off as in incident in Murshidabad's Shamsherganj.
The cops also cautioned that specific social media accounts were being used with an ulterior motive, with a direct plan to incite violence.
In a post, Jangipur Police said: "Recently, it was observed that certain individuals with ulterior motives were posting on social media, referring to an incident from Mexico in 2023 as an event in Shamsherganj, Murshidabad, using fake and anonymous profiles. We urge you to verify the authenticity of such misleading posts before sharing them.
Otherwise, legal action will be taken against the perpetrators. All relevant information regarding the fact of the incident has been shared.
"
Cops said that according to fact-checkers, "a disturbing video is making rounds on social media, alleging that in the Shamsherganj area of Murshidabad district, West Bengal, a Muslim youth brutally set a Hindu girl on fire after she rejected his proposal. This has turned out to be fake".
Bengal Police said "the claim being made on social media by showing this horrific video is completely false and misleading".
"The actual incident took place long ago, in May 2023, during a clash between two drug trafficking groups in Mexico. During the conflict, members of one group burned a person from the rival group in this brutal manner. This incident has no connection whatsoever with any religious sentiment or event in Murshidabad, Bengal.
This misleading video is being circulated on social media solely with the intention of spreading propaganda against Bengal," the FB post by police added.
Police said they have started an investigation to trace the source of these "misleading posts". An official said several social media accounts involved in spreading the false narrative have been identified and appropriate legal action would be taken.
Senior police officials urged citizens to report any such misleading content on social media platforms. "We have a dedicated team monitoring social media round the clock to prevent the spread of fake news that could potentially disturb communal harmony," said a senior officer.
Police have also announced plans to conduct awareness programmes about fact-checking and responsible social media usage across Murshidabad.
