Ten people were booked f >or their posts on the popular chat application WhatsApp in Solapur district of Maharashtra.
They were later let off with a warning.
Earlier this week, five cases were registered and 10 members from different WhatsApp groups were booked for allegedly circulating a message that 3,000 armed men were roaming in parts of Solapur districtwith the intention of kidnapping children.
The message spread to hundreds of mobiles in Solapur and people formed vigilante squads to guard their children.
The area residents then approached the police. On the basis of complaints and preliminary investigation, the police registered cases under Section 505 1 (B) of the IPC which forbids making or publishing any statement, rumour or report with intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquillity.
Of the 10 booked in connection with the case, the member-to-admin ratio from each WhatsApp group allegedly responsible for spreading the information was 1:1 i.e. a member from each group and the admin of the group. It is not clear how the police zeroed in on the members named in the case.
Of the 10, five were group admin and five were members. Since 505 1 (b) IPC is non-cognisable in nature, the youths were let off after a warning.
