Man held for posting false COVID-19 news
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 06 2020:
A 38-year-old man has been arrested by Imphal West Police for spreading rumours on COVID-19 today.
The man identified as Irengbam Amu alias Amuyaima, s/o (L) Ranjit of Singjamei Kshetri Leikai, at present staying at Thangmeiband Meisnam Leikai was arrested after he allegedly made an audio clip and spread false information about a confirmed COVID-19 positive case in Manipur, said sources in the police.
The audio recording that went viral of WhasApp and social media sites, had alleged that one Bengali who recently came from Kolkata was found positive for COVID-19 which forced Imphal West district police to close down all shops located in Imphal City today.
Soon after the audio recording went viral, the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West had however clarified that the closure of shops in Imphal today was effected as people were flouting social distancing norms after the lockdown was eased in certain sectors.
The closure was to ensure strict adherence to social distancing norms, the SP had said.
He was arrested from his residence at Thangmeiband Meisnam Leikai and a case has been registered against him under Section 54 of Disaster Management Act.
He was later produced before the Duty Magistrate Imphal West along with the prayer of judicial custody remand.
On the other hand, his defense counsel filed remand objection along with a prayer for release on bail.
He was released on Rs 30,000 surety bond by the Duty Magistrate Imphal West late in the evening, said the sources.