Shashank Yadav, a resident of Amethi, Uttar Pradesh has been booked for sharing misleading information regarding oxygen supply in the State. On the 27th of April, the Amethi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Shashank Yadav as he shared a tweet, seeking oxygen for his grandfather. It is yet to be known if his grandfather was Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 positive or not.
The police said, during a preliminary inquiry it was found the allegations of shortage of oxygen made by the accused are false.
According to sources, Shashank Yadav had initially sent an SOS using Twitter on the evening of the 26th of April, seeking oxygen. The accused also tagged actor Sonu Sood, following which his friend Ankit amplified the message and sought help from The Wire journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani.
Arpit Kapoor, the Circle Officer of Amethi Police said, “Shashank Yadav has been booked for spreading misleading information.” The police booked Shashank Yadav under under Section 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 505(1) (B) (With intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquillity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Ramganj police station. The police have also invoked the Epidemic Disease Act against the accused.
Another official,Sub Inspector Virendra Singh of the Ramganj Police Station said, “It was found during the inquiry that because of the accused’s false tweet, several persons made allegations against the government.”
The investigation is underway.
Stay tuned for further updates.
