Nagaland Police files case against YouTube channel for spreading fake news

DIMAPUR — Phek police has filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell of the Police Headquarters (PHQ), Kohima, against a YouTube channel named ‘C.L. Chang’ for spreading fake news.

The police said that the channel had published fake news item under “Morning News in Nagamese” on June 13, about an alleged ‘rape incident and a mob assault on Phek police officers’.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Phek, Bendang Jamir, told Eastern Mirror that the ‘news’ item appeared to be a compilation of old reports and was circulated on the YouTube channel on the morning of June 13.

After citizens contacted the Phek police station to inquire about it, police personnel reached out to the owner of the YouTube channel, and the news item was subsequently removed from the within two to three hours of its publication, he said.

He added that investigation on the matter is on and the Cyber Cell PHQ will take appropriate legal action.

Earlier on Thursday, the Phek police issued a press release informing that “the matter has been enquired into and ascertained that the said news item is found to be fake (Sic)”.

The police urged the public to refrain from spreading fake news and rumours, warning that action would be taken under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Information Technology Act.

It also requested the public to report any fake news or misinformation they encounter to the Phek police control room or Phek police station.