Though the dust may have settled after the furore over actor Aamir Khan’s remarks on intolerance in India, the city police are not taking any chances. The police’s social media lab is constantly monitoring all posts on Aamir to gauge the public mood and sending daily reports to senior police officers. The lab was set up in 2013 to keep a close watch on discussions on the Internet — mainly on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube — that could lead to law and order problems.
“We are getting daily reports on trends observed on social media on Mr. Khan’sstatements and their nature, and strongly-worded posts find specific mention,” a senior police officer said. Aamir Khan was among the top trending topics on Twitter on Wednesday; it was the second leading trend after the 2008 Mumbai attacks on Facebook till Thursday evening. Senior police officials said their personnel continue to be deployed outside Mr Khan’s Hill Road residence in Bandra and trends on social media will help decide the level of security cover and its duration . “We do have sources on the ground to keep us informed about sudden developments such as the Hindu Sena protest on Wednesday, but the public mood is better reflected on social media,” an official added. Officials said unless a post holds undeniable potential to spark off a law-and-order problem, it will not be blocked.
“Also, the decision has to stand in court in case it is challenged,” a senior police officer said.
