Did Srinagar Police File FIR Over Misleading Video on Electricity Dues Waiver?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Police in Srinagar filed an FIR against a social media user for spreading misinformation.
- A false video claimed waivers on electricity dues at the Lok Adalat.
- The misleading claims caused public confusion and gathering.
- The Lok Adalat has been postponed to December 18 and 19.
- Authorities are investigating and cautioning against misinformation.
Srinagar, Dec 15 (NationPress) On Monday, authorities in Srinagar lodged an FIR concerning a deceptive video circulating on social media that falsely claimed a waiver of electricity dues during the Lok Adalat that was set to take place last week.
The police announced that they have initiated legal proceedings against an individual for disseminating misinformation about the Lok Adalat that was scheduled for December 13.
According to an official statement, “The falsehood propagated through the video has resulted in public confusion and an unanticipated gathering of people. The individual responsible circulated this video on various social media platforms, asserting that substantial electricity bills and traffic fines would be waived at the Lok Adalat. This claim rapidly gained traction, leading to a significant turnout at the venue in hopes of receiving financial relief,” the official explained.
“However, these assertions were proven to be untrue. The District Legal Services Authorities took notice of the misleading information and the resultant situation, prompting them to inform the police, which led to the initiation of legal action. A case has been registered at the Batmaloo Police Station under FIR No. 94/2025, citing sections 353 and 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” the official detailed.
The individual responsible has been identified as a social media user hailing from Narbal in the Magam region of Budgam District.
“The spread of this misinformation not only misled the public but also disrupted the intended proceedings, necessitating a reassessment by the authorities. Due to the ensuing confusion and concerns regarding crowd management, the Lok Adalat originally scheduled for December 13 has been postponed to December 18 and 19. The official added that an ongoing investigation is in progress, and the public is cautioned against the dissemination of unverified or misleading information on social media, particularly concerning public institutions and legal matters.
The J&K Police has issued a warning to social media users, urging them to act responsibly and be cautious about the content they share.
Those found sharing false information intended to incite panic, unrest, or disrupt law and order are subject to legal consequences, according to the police.