The Tamil Nadu police have arrested three persons, including functionaries of actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), for spreading false news regarding the tragic Karur stampede on social media. According to police, 25 social media accounts are under their purview for spreading falsehood.
According to Chennai police, Sahayam, Bharatiya Janata Party state secretary (Arts and Culture); Sivaneswaran, a TVK member; and Sarathkumar, a TVK functionary, have been arrested for spreading false news on the Karur tragedy on social media. Chennai police warned stern action against individuals spreading false news over the tragic incident.
As many as 41 people, including 10 children and 17 women, have died in the stampede at Velusamypuram at Karur, during TVK leader Vijay's people outreach campaign on Saturday. The death toll is feared to increase as the health condition of over 50 patients undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital in Karur is critical.
In a statement, the Chennai police warned the public against spreading falsehood, and said action has been initiated against 25 social media accounts for spreading fake news.
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Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin advised the public against spreading rumours. In a video message, Stalin said it was sad that some people spread rumours about the incident or even indulged in slander. "Do not spread rumour, don't slander on social media about the tragedy in Karur. Everyone should behave responsibly," Stalin said.
"I am watching the rumours and false news spread by some people on social media. No political party leader will ever want his workers or innocent civilians to die. In this incident, regardless of party affiliation, the deceased belong to me, they are our Tamil brethren," he added.