"Assam has Sufficient Salt": Police Tweets Clears Air on Rumours of Salt Deficit

Guwahati, April 17, 2020:

Moments ago, the Assam Police Force issued a "fake news" alert in regards to reports that there is a dearth of salt in the state in the midst of the lockdown that has been imposed to curtail the spread of the COVID-19.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 Lockdown Cripples Farming Economy of Assam ahead of Monsoons

In its tweet alert, the Police via its official handle informed that some mischievous elements are trying to spread fake news in Assam and slammed it as "fake, untrue, and baseless." The Assam Police further informed that more than enough stocks of all essentials, including salt, is available.

Although it is not clear where exactly there rumours have been circulating, social media has recently been abuzz with fake news alerts from mischievous elements looking to provoke reactions amid the lockdown.

It is pertinent to mention here that several in the state, including an MLA, have been arrested in the state amid attempts to curb fake news outbreaks.

As of April 12, Assam Police had registered a total of 61 cases for spreading fake news on social media related to Covid-19 information.

The most striking news that Assam Police has shared in recent times is that ‘The Assam Tribune’ (one of the most trusted daily of the State) newspaper’s mobile application, which is available on Google Playstore is fake and unauthorized.

“FAKE NEWS ALERT! Beware – the Mobile App of ‘The Assam Tribune’ newspaper, available on Google Playstore is Fake & Unauthorised. Do not download, use or make any payment. ‘The Assam Tribune’ does not have any App,” tweeted Assam Police.

Reacting to this, Priyanka Das, a user of the app, said, “Since the past few days, whenever the daily epaper is updated, the notification pops up along with an extra information asking for donating any amount.”

ALSO READ: Assam Congress Demands Action against Foreigners Tribunal Member for “Objectionable” Comment on Minority Community

Among those held, the arrest of Dhing MLA Aminul Islam had created ripples across Assam. State Police arrested Aminul Islam (under case No. 877/2020, U/S 120(B)/153(A)/124(A)/295(A)). The MLA was arrested for his comments on the Tablighi Jamaat gathering that supposedly led to the formation of COVID-19 clusters across the country.

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