Pakistani Handles Suspected of Spreading Misinformation in Delhi; One IP Address Traced to Pakistan

New Delhi: Delhi Police has intensified surveillance and enforcement against alleged misinformation campaigns on social media aimed at disrupting peace and law and order in the national capital. Police are closely monitoring attempts to spread fear and confusion through fake news, misleading claims, false reports of firing incidents and fabricated videos generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

An important development has emerged during the investigation: when registration details were sought for a social media handle in one case, its IP address was found to be located in Pakistan. However, this single case does not establish that all suspicious accounts are being operated from abroad. Police are investigating other cases as well.

The action comes at a time when even a single piece of false information circulating on social media can spread rapidly and cause panic among the public. Police said they are verifying facts, collecting technical evidence and taking legal action wherever the circumstances warrant it.

Police Launch Digital Crackdown on Rumour-Mongering

Additional Commissioner of Police, IFSO, Sanjay Bhatia said Delhi Police teams are continuously monitoring social media platforms. Whenever a suspicious post comes to their attention, its content, claims and available facts are verified.

After proper investigation, if a post is found to contain misleading or baseless information, pose a threat to public peace and prima facie indicate a criminal offence, legal action is initiated in accordance with the law.

He said action has also been taken to get certain objectionable posts removed promptly. First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in cases where the available information prima facie indicates a criminal offence.

During investigations, police are attempting to obtain registration details and other technical information related to the social media accounts to determine where they are being operated from and who may be behind them.

One IP Address Traced to Pakistan; Other Cases Under Investigation

In one case, the IP address associated with a social media handle was found to be located in Pakistan after police sought its registration details. Investigators are now examining additional facts and technical evidence related to the account.

Police are also investigating whether foreign entities or individuals may have any role in operating other suspicious accounts.

According to Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Bhatia, the police have sought necessary information from social media platforms and relevant agencies in other cases. The situation concerning the operation of other accounts will become clearer only after the investigation is completed and sufficient evidence is obtained.

For now, the investigations are ongoing, and police are verifying the available facts before reaching any conclusions.

False Firing Reports Used to Create Panic

Among the cases identified by police are posts containing unverified claims about incidents such as shootings. When circulated without confirmation, such reports can create fear, confusion and unnecessary panic among the public.

Police believe that misleading content of this nature may be used to provoke public sentiment and disturb law and order.

AI-generated videos are another cause for concern. Such videos may be presented as footage of real incidents even when their content is not supported by reliable facts or evidence.

Police are examining the authenticity of these videos and posts to distinguish genuine incidents from misleading digital content.

More Than 50 Misleading Posts Monitored Daily

The Additional Commissioner of Police said more than 50 posts suspected of containing false or misleading information come to their attention every day.

Delhi Police's media cell monitors such content, verifies the information and issues alerts when necessary to warn the public.

The objective is not only to take action against objectionable content but also to protect citizens from the harmful effects of rumours.

Police emphasised that the rapid circulation of a news item on social media does not necessarily make it true. Citizens have therefore been urged to verify the credibility of sensitive information before sharing it.

More Than 180 Handles Under Scrutiny; Over 80 Accounts Tracked

According to police officials, more than 180 social media handles linked to misleading and allegedly criminal content are under scrutiny. Of these, 80 accounts have reportedly been tracked so far.

More than six FIRs have been registered in connection with these cases. However, officials have refrained from disclosing the exact number of cases at this stage.

Police said efforts are continuing to identify suspicious posts, obtain technical details, examine associated accounts and verify the available evidence.

Investigators are also trying to determine whether the misleading content is being shared by individuals independently or whether an organised network of accounts is involved.

Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation and the evidence collected.

Police Appeal to Public: Trust Facts, Not Rumours

Sanjay Bhatia stressed that attempts to mislead people or disturb public peace by spreading false information on social media will be taken seriously.

However, he clarified that the presence of false information in a post or the discovery of an account's IP address in a foreign country does not, by itself, establish the account operator's criminal involvement. Proper investigation and supporting evidence remain essential.

Police have appealed to citizens not to share unverified reports concerning shootings, violence or other sensitive incidents. Instead of forwarding suspicious videos and posts, people should report them to the relevant authorities.

Responsible digital behaviour is essential to preventing the spread of rumours.

The message is clear: regardless of how quickly false information spreads on social media, verification and legal action will continue. Delhi Police remains vigilant against misleading online campaigns to protect peace and maintain law and order in the national capital.