Jammu and Kashmir: Magisterial probe ordered into rumoured bus accident case in Rajouri

Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident of rumour of a bus accident on social media, which reported that over 40 students were killed in Poonch.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Magisterial probe ordered into rumoured bus accident case in Rajouri

A view of Rajouri district.

UPDATED: May 25, 2017 23:57 IST

Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident of rumour of a bus accident on social media, which reported that over 40 students were killed near Chhatapani on Mughal road in Poonch.

The rumour spread on WhatsApp groups put the administration in border districts of Poonch and Rajouri on high alert.The information was also sent to control rooms, which led to massive evacuation and rescue efforts. More than a dozen vehicles, including ambulances, were rushed from Rajouri to the site of the mishap. A similar effort was made by the Poonch district as well.

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Officers of the district administration contacted the owner of a private school in Manjakote. The driver of the school bus was reported to be safe within hours after rumours of the accident went viral.
Additional District Magistrate Mumtaz Ali will conduct a magisterial probe to identify the rumour-mongers.
The ADM will be assisted by Additional Superintendent of Police Yousaf Choudhary, DIO National Informatics Centre Sanjay Puri, ARTO Rajouri and General Manager Telecom.
The team will also seek assistance from the cyber wing of the police department.
The magisterial inquiry was ordered after preliminary verification revealed the involvement of some people, who circulated the unverified news on WhatsApp groups in twin districts.
The rumour was also traced to a private school and some news groups. More than a dozen people have been shortlisted for initial questioning to trace the rumour-mongers.
The district administration, police, the Army, the Air Force and all agencies were put on high alert and rescue and evacuation operations initiated.
The Rajouri Deputy Commissioner said that the people involved in spreading such rumours were definitely guilty of disturbing the security of the state and law and order situation. Such practices, if not controlled at this stage, could cause irreparable damage.
The slapping of the Public Safety Act is being contemplated against culprits involved in this incident.
Rajouri Deputy Commissioner, along with the SSP and a dozen senior officers of various departments who responded to the fake emergency situation, have stepped up efforts to trace the culprits.
Suspects are being called for questioning. A report has also been sought from intelligence agencies in this regard. Police are lodging an FIR in the matter.