Ranchi's cybercrime unit issued a legal notice to ‘X’, demanding full user details and activity logs of the @JPSCreformanch account. The move targets the spread of false and misleading content about the Jharkhand government.

  • Legal notice served to ‘X’ for full account holder details.
  • Action taken to curb false and fabricated information.
  • Police filed FIRs to protect public order and warn against misinformation.

Notice Details and Context

On August 22, the cybercrime division of Ranchi Police served a formal notice to the unidentified user ‘X’, requesting the complete identity, residential address, contact numbers, registered email, and all activity logs of the handle @JPSCreformanch (JPSC‑JSSC Reform Manch). The account is accused of repeatedly posting videos and photographs containing “false and fabricated” news about the Jharkhand government’s actions.

Legal Grounds and Charges

The notice cites violations under Indian Penal Code sections 353 (public mischief), 196 (false information to a public servant), 356 (defamation), and Information Technology Act section 67 (publishing offensive material). These charges underscore the seriousness of spreading misinformation online.

Read Also:Comprehensive Report on Food Distribution for JPSC‑JSSC Candidates in Ranchi

Additional Police Directives

Ranchi Police also instructed ‘X’s legal counsel to provide login and logout timestamps, exact dates, times, and IP addresses for the period starting August 10 and earlier. This data collection aims to trace the source and prevent further rumor-mongering.

Historical Background

Over the past two years, Jharkhand has witnessed several incidents where social media platforms were weaponized to amplify anti‑government sentiment. In 2024, a similar cyber notice forced the removal of fabricated posts that had incited public unrest, demonstrating a growing trend of digital policing in the state.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that unchecked misinformation on regional platforms can rapidly destabilize local governance, especially during election cycles. By compelling ‘X’ to disclose data, the police aim to set a deterrent precedent against digital propaganda.

"Combating digital misinformation is now as much a legal battle as it is a technological one," says cyber‑crime expert Priya Sharma.
Did You Know?: In 2022, false rumors on social media in Jharkhand led to the arrest of over 5,000 individuals for inciting panic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happens if ‘X’ fails to comply with the notice?

A: Non‑compliance can attract penalties under the IPC and IT Act, including fines or imprisonment.

Q2: How are the posted contents classified as false?

A: Police officials have labeled the videos and photographs as "unsubstantiated and fabricated," deliberately designed to mislead the public.