Ranchi, October 8, 2024: As Durga Puja celebrations sweep across the city, Ranchi Police have made a public appeal urging residents to refrain from sharing any content on social media that could potentially incite communal tensions or violate public decency.
In light of the festive season, the police have issued a stern warning against the circulation of objectionable materials and fake news, reminding citizens of their responsibility to maintain peace and harmony.
The police have emphasized that the spread of such harmful content, particularly during festivals, could disrupt communal harmony. They have also issued contact numbers for reporting rumors and objectionable social media posts.
Ranchi Police’s Appeal for Public Responsibility
In an official statement, Ranchi Police appealed to the public, stressing the need for restraint and caution when using social media platforms during Durga Puja. The festival, which draws large gatherings and heightened public activity, is a time when the city is especially vulnerable to unrest if inflammatory or provocative content is circulated.
The police urged citizens to think carefully before forwarding messages or sharing content that may spark communal tensions. They noted that even a single post or message, if misinterpreted, could cause widespread unrest in the community.
“We request all residents of Ranchi to avoid sharing or circulating any content that could instigate communal tensions or violates social decorum. In these sensitive times, such actions can have far-reaching consequences,” said a senior Ranchi Police official.
In their public appeal, the police provided two helpline numbers for citizens to report any objectionable content or rumors: 8987790664 and 8987790619. These helplines will be monitored continuously during the festive period, allowing the authorities to respond quickly to any potential threats to public order.
The Significance of Durga Puja in Ranchi
Durga Puja is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Ranchi, attracting thousands of devotees to local pandals (festival tents) to honor the goddess Durga.
The festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, spirituality, and tradition, but it also brings with it challenges related to crowd management and public safety.
With such large gatherings, the risk of communal tensions often increases, especially if provocative or harmful content is shared online. In the digital age, social media plays a significant role in amplifying both positive and negative messages.
This is why Ranchi Police have issued their appeal with such urgency. The festival is a time for unity, and the authorities are working to ensure that it remains peaceful.
Police officials have highlighted that past festivals have seen isolated incidents where communal tensions were exacerbated by rumors or fake news spread on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.
This year, they are making a concerted effort to prevent such occurrences and have encouraged the public to play their part in maintaining harmony.
Safety Precautions for Citizens
In addition to their appeal regarding social media usage, Ranchi Police have issued specific safety instructions for citizens attending Durga Puja events. One key precaution involves ensuring the safety of children in crowded areas.
The police have advised parents to place a slip of paper containing their contact information – name, address, and mobile number in their children’s pockets when visiting crowded pandals. This will help authorities reunite lost children with their families quickly.
“We urge parents to take simple but effective precautions, such as ensuring that their children carry identifying information. Durga Puja pandals can get extremely crowded, and it’s easy for children to get lost in the crowd,” a police spokesperson said.
Additionally, the police have implemented heightened security measures around major pandals and public gathering spots. CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations, and officers will be on the ground to ensure the safety of attendees.
Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activities.
Legal Measures and Consequences
Ranchi Police have made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against individuals found spreading objectionable content or inciting communal tensions online. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Information Technology (IT) Act contain provisions for dealing with individuals who promote enmity between groups on the basis of religion, race, or other factors.
Those found guilty of violating these laws could face serious penalties, including imprisonment. The police have reiterated that there will be zero tolerance for those who seek to disrupt the peace during the festive season.
“Anyone found sharing content that incites violence or disturbs communal harmony will be dealt with severely under the law. We urge citizens to act responsibly and report any such activities to the authorities immediately,” said the police official.
The police are also collaborating with social media platforms to monitor content and flag objectionable material in real-time. Any posts that are found to be in violation of community guidelines or Indian law will be taken down swiftly.
Conclusion
As Ranchi gears up to celebrate Durga Puja, Ranchi Police’s appeal serves as a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and order during the festive season.
With large crowds and heightened emotions, even a small incident can escalate into a larger problem. By urging citizens to act responsibly and avoid sharing harmful content, the police are taking proactive steps to ensure a peaceful and joyous celebration for all.
Residents are encouraged to follow the safety guidelines issued by the police, report any suspicious activities or content and do their part in fostering communal harmony during Durga Puja.
The cooperation between law enforcement and the public is crucial in keeping the city safe and ensuring that the festival is enjoyed by everyone.
