Teacher arrested for rumour-mongering about COVID-19 infection in Odisha [Representative image] | Photo Credit: ANI

Key Highlights The accused allegedly posted on social media that the a youth, who had returned from Bengaluru, has contracted coronavirus infection and he has isolated himself The act of the accused man has created a situation of panic in entire the region The police strictly warned other villagers not to indulge in rumour mongering and misleading people about coronavirus infection

Bhubaneshwar: The coronavirus scare has gripped people across the globe and has created a situation of panic. People have confined themselves to their houses and are avoiding social gatherings and public places in a bid to ensure their safety. The authorities have announced to take strict action against those who indulge in rumour-mongering or misinforming people about COVID-19 infection. However, a school teacher in Odisha’s Kalahandi district learnt it hard way when he was arrested by the police for allegedly posting fake information on social media about the COVID-19 infection in a village.

Accused teacher posted false message on social media

The accused, identified as Bindu Mahananda, a resident of Dudkel village in Golamunda Block, alleged posted on social media that a youth, residing in Golamunda Block’s Khalikani village has contracted coronavirus infection. Further, he wrote that the infected youth, who had returned from Bengaluru, has shut the doors of his house and isolated himself. Police officials are investigating the matter to uncover the truth, he wrote in the fake message.

Situation of panic in entire region

The matter was reported to the police and the officials conducted a probe. The officials found out that the school teacher was spreading fake news about the COVID-19 infection and arrested him on Saturday. While speaking to the Times of India, Kalahandi SP B Gangadhar said that the act of the accused man has created a situation of panic in the region.

The police strictly warned other villagers not to indulge in rumour-mongering and misleading people about coronavirus infection.

Another case

Nearly two days ago, a 32-year-old man was arrested by Rayagada police for allegedly spreading false information about coronavirus infection in the district. The accused is a resident of Rayagada district’s Ambadola area. He posted that a Kerala-returnee was being treated for COVID-19 infection in Rayagada. The information was incorrect.