RANCHI: Amid the ongoing tussle between the protesting students and the district administration, Ranchi police have appealed to people not to believe any news, video, message or information being circulated on various social media platforms without verification, or share them.
According to an official communique from Ranchi police, a few anti-social and self-interested elements are deliberately spreading false, misleading and unverified information to incite people and encourage them to commit illegal acts.
“They aim to create an atmosphere of unrest, enmity, tension, and anarchy in society to fulfil their personal interests,” stated the official communique.
"Falling for the inducements of such elements and taking any step can lead to legal trouble and harm the peace and harmony of society," it stated.
Meanwhile, new guidelines were issued by the district administration in Ranchi on Sunday, under which organisers of sit-ins, protests, gheraos, processions, rallies and public meetings in Ranchi will now be required to obtain prior permission from the district administration.
"According to the district administration, sit-ins, protests, processions and rallies are frequently being organised at different locations without prior notice. Such events can disrupt traffic, inconvenience the general public and create challenges related to law and order and public safety," it said.
“If you come across suspicious or inflammatory content, inform the relevant police or administration instead of making it viral,” stated Jharkhand police on its social media handle X.
"Cooperate with the police-administration in maintaining peace, harmony and social brotherhood," it added.
Ranchi police also advised people to stay alert, trust verified information and not get trapped in the web of rumours. "Do not become a tool for someone's selfish interests," it stated.
Notably, Ranchi has witnessed large gatherings of students and job aspirants over the past month, with protests continuing for several weeks and attracting significant public attention.
Although the administration has not linked the new guidelines directly to the ongoing student agitation, the order comes amid the prolonged protests in the state capital.