CHENNAI: The Central Crime Branch wing of Chennai city police have booked, ex television anchor T V Varadharajan for allegedly spreading false news based on the complaint by the Health Department.
Earlier, Varadarajan had released a video on social media alleging that an acquaintance tested positive for COVID-19 and was unable to find a hospital bed, even after making calls to top officials.
He told people to stay safe at home in light of this.
Responding to this, Health Minister C Vijayabhaskar said the newsreader was spreading false news and denied the allegations that there not enough beds available.
Based on a complaint from the Health Department the Central Crime Branch on Monday evening registered a case under four sections - IPC 153 (spreading rumour), IPC 505(1)(b) (intentionally spreading fake news), IPC 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and section 3 of Epidemic diseases act.