Mira Road communal clash: Those spreading fake messages to face strict action, say Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar cops

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The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police in Maharashtra on Wednesday warned of strict legal action against those spreading rumours on social media through fake messages, stressing that they can create law and order problems. The warning comes after the recent Mira Road communal clash, reported the PTI.

Administrators of social media groups will also face action in such matters, they said.

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According to the PTI, the warning comes against the backdrop of disturbances in certain parts of Thane district, including Naya Nagar which witnessed a communal clash three days back.

The police issued a note, referring to what they called a fake video message that has been ¿mischievously¿ edited with the claim that some anti-social elements had set afire the Mira Road railway station, as per the PTI.

Urging citizens to exercise caution, the note said the fake video has gone viral on social media and is being shared on WhatsApp.

Citizens should neither believe in such fake messages nor circulate them, said the note, adding that they can create law and order problems and disturb peace.

Administrators and members of social media groups responsible for spreading such fake messages will face action, said the note.

Since the weekend, the Thane district neighbouring Mumbai has witnessed a number of incidents of attack on commercial establishments and processions taken out to celebrate the consecration of Lord Ram's idol at the Ayodhya temple.

Earlier, members of two communities clashed during a vehicle rally organised in the Muslim-dominated Naya Nagar locality in the district on Sunday night following which 13 people were taken in custody.

Meanwhile, following the Mira Road clash, wherein two groups clashed, next to Mumbai, significant security measures have been enforced in the region. Police have detained a man seen agitating people in a viral video on social media, as per the ANI.

In Mira Road, local police, Mumbai Police, Palghar Police, Thane Rural Police, RAF (Rapid Action Force), MSF (Maharashtra Security Force), and SRPF were also there in large numbers, reported ANI.

The scuffle had occurred on the night of January 21, prompting Additional Commissioner of Police Shrikant Pathak to appeal for peace in the area. He assured that an investigation is underway, emphasizing action against the identified accused.

(with PTI and ANI inputs)