Three persons from Imphal West were arrested for spreading rumours by posting a video in social media a bogus report of COVID-19 positive cases, police sources said.
The video report stated that out of 700 tested, 500 were tested COVID-19 positive during a mass testing at Takyel Khongbal, Imphal West on Saturday.
The arrested persons have been identified as Thaodem Romesh, 34, son of Th Ibochou; Thaodem Bikram, 43, son of Thaodem Kula of Sekmai Laipat; and Sougrakpam Johnson Singh, 34, son of Gambir Singh of Naoremthong Khumanthem Leikai, Takyel Khongbal Ward No. 2, the police said.
According to the police, one Romesh posted a video in a Facebook page named ‘Kangla Pao FB Entertainment’ in which it was falsely mentioned that 700 persons were tested in a mass COVID testing campaign at Takyel Khongbal and 500 were tested COVID-19 positive.
Romesh received the video from one WhatsApp group called ‘PYDO (Progressive Youth Development Organisation)’ and the fake information was uploaded by one Bikram. Further it has been learnt that the video was made by one Johnson by giving false commentary, the police added.
The three persons were picked up following a case registered at Lamphel Police Station based on a complaint lodged by the district magistrate, Imphal West for creating panic among the public by spreading false information of the pandemic, said the police sources.
Meanwhile, Imphal West SP, S Ibomcha appealed to the people not to spread rumours about COVID-19.
As per official sources, around 737 people were tested and 31 were tested COVID-19 positive in the mass COVID testing at Takyel Khongbal.
