Thane police have arrested a social media influencer, Ritika Shelar, for spreading false information about the sexual abuse case in Badlapur. Shelar, who boasts over five lakh followers on various platforms, was detained, questioned, and issued a notice before being released.
The police investigation revealed that Shelar disseminated inaccurate information about one of the victims of the sexual abuse and her mother on social media. Her posts triggered a wave of rumors that quickly spread throughout the city, creating significant unrest and misinformation.
Internet services, which were shut down in Badlapur for 32 hours following the initial incident, were restored on Wednesday. However, the rumor mill continued to churn, with false reports surfacing that the sexual abuse victim had died. Another false claim alleged that a large crowd had gathered outside the police station to protest.
Thane’s cyber team swiftly identified Shelar as the source of the misleading messages and registered a case against her under the IT Act. The police emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that Shelar’s actions had contributed to the spread of misinformation and unrest in the community.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of misinformation spread through social media, particularly in sensitive situations like the Badlapur sexual abuse case. It underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it online and the critical role law enforcement plays in combating the spread of false information.
