Hyderabad Cybercrime police arrest four for spreading fake news on social media
HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad cybercrime police arrested four individuals on Friday for circulating an old video with false information about the election process, causing it to go viral.
The police received a complaint on May 15, 2024, while the complainant was browsing social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook as part of social media surveillance. They came across a video depicting a person voting multiple times at a polling station, claiming it occurred during the recent Lok Sabha elections in Bahadurpura (Old City), Hyderabad, held on May 13, 2024.
A circulating video purportedly depicting rigging at a polling station in Bahadurpura,Hyderabad is OLD Video & unrelated to current Loksabha Elections 2024,Its Originating from a YouTube channel,TV9 Bangla,on February 27, 2022.
Posting fake videos make you liable to legal action. pic.twitter.com/JhvOtelyUf— Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) May 15, 2024
However, the video was actually recorded during the West Bengal elections in 2022. The dissemination of this misleading video across various social media platforms could undermine public trust in India’s electoral system.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under Cr. No. 1156/2024, U/Sec 66(D) of the IT Act, U/Sec. 505(1)(C), 171-C r/w 171-F of the IPC, and an investigation was initiated.
During the investigation, four accused persons were identified for posting the video on X (Twitter) and circulating it with false information about rigging at a polling station in Bahadurpura (Old City), Hyderabad, during the Lok Sabha elections on May 13, 2024. They shared the video without verifying its authenticity, intending to create a scenario for re-elections in Hyderabad.
The four accused, identified as Vurapalli Sravan from Malkajigiri, Mohammed Bin Ali from Nampally, Piddamulla Kashi from Osmanpura, Chaderghat, and Kanukati Mithilesh from Chikkadpally, Hyderabad, were produced before the Honourable XII ACMM Court, Nampally, Hyderabad.
The investigation was conducted by a team led by K. Madhulatha and Mattam Raju, Inspectors of Police, along with sub-inspector Prasen Reddy and staff from the Cybercrime police station, under the supervision of Chand Basha, Asst. Commissioner of Police, Cybercrime police station, and Shiva Maruti, ACP. CCPS.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
