Mumbai police registers FIR over inflammatory WhatsApp messages on Ganeshotsav

On Monday, Mumbai police registered an FIR in connection with a text message with communal overtones that had been circulating. A message, which had been written in Hindi claimed that a clash occurred in the Pathanwadi area in Malad, Mumbai, on Sunday, between members of two communities when the Ganeshotsav was underway.

The Hindu reported that the message stated that there was widespread communal tension in the area and that the matter was being suppressed. The Mumbai police registered an FIR to investigate the matter.

Mumbai Police spokesperson DCP Ashok Dudhe told the daily, “A false message is seen to be circulated regarding Pathanwadi, Malad (East). No such incident has taken place. An offence has been registered by Mumbai police against persons for spreading communal hatred and rumour mongering on social media. Citizens are requested not to believe rumours and rumour mongers”