Delhi Police Alleges 480 Pakistan-Linked Handles Spreading Misinformation During Protests

The Delhi Police on Thursday claimed it has identified more than 480 social media accounts based in Pakistan that are allegedly involved in spreading misinformation during ongoing protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. According to a police official, these same accounts were previously active during Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted by India.

In a statement posted on social media, the official said these handles are taking advantage of the current situation to circulate rumours, fake posts, and edited videos with an intent to instigate people, particularly students. 'We have noticed that misinformation is being circulated on various social media platforms. So far, we have identified over 480 Pakistani social media handles that are taking advantage of the current situation to spread rumours. We are getting these handles blocked. These are the same handles which were active during Operation Sindoor,' the officer said.

The officer emphasised that the primary objective of these accounts is to spread misinformation and provoke people, especially students, by circulating unverified and misleading content online. Appealing to students not to fall prey to such content, the official urged them to verify facts before sharing any information. 'We appeal to students, in the interest of their safety, not to get instigated by fake posts, edited videos or information from anonymous handles,' the officer said.

Delhi Police further stated that peaceful protests are a constitutional right and that the force respects this right. 'Peaceful protest is your right and Delhi Police respects this right,' the officer said, urging people to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. The police also requested the public to refrain from spreading rumours and to verify information before forwarding it on social media.