Manoj Yadava, Director General of Police, Haryana
Chandigarh, April 8, 2020: Directing all the District Police Chiefs (CPs/SPs) to show “zero tolerance” towards any attempt to spread rumours or otherwise vitiate communal harmony, Director General of Police (DGP) Haryana, Manoj Yadava asked them to accord highest importance to prevent such kind of incidents by taking stern action against anti-social elements in their respective jurisdiction.
In a written communication to all Commissioners of Police and District Superintendents of Police, the DGP has tasked them to focus on maintenance of Law and Order by strictly enforcing lock-down across the State.
In view some reported incidents of attacks on place of worships or members of a particular community, he has instructed all the police officers to be on alert and take precautionary measures. Such incidents not only result in rumour-mongering and misinformation but have the potential to damage the social fabric and vitiate the communal harmony. They also divert the focus of the administration away from the national fight against COVID-19.
The Home Minister, Sh. Anil Vij while presiding over a review meeting on the law and order situation held on 6th April had also expressed concern over the rising trend of such incidents and stated that the Government had a zero tolerance policy on crime against minorities. He also instructed to take stringent action against those involved in such inhuman acts.
The DGP further informed that taking strict action against those indulging in hate speeches and rumour-mongering on social media about COVID-19, Police had so far arrested 32 accused for their involvement in spreading fake news or rumors on social media by registering 56 cases. In addition, 12 cases have been registered regarding the incidents of attacks on religious minorities in which 25 accused have been arrested so far.
He urged the people to follow the lockdown norms by staying at their home. He warned that anyone involved in spreading fake news/derogatory statements on social media or try to vitiate the communal harmony would be dealt with seriously.