At least 16 people were arrested on Monday in India’s northeastern Assam state for their alleged involvement in the lynching of two men following rumours on social media that they were child kidnappers. Officials said the attack was prompted by rumours spread via telephone calls and WhatsApp messages that the two were fleeing in their black SUV after kidnapping a child from the area. Fostering panicThe authorities in Assam said they were monitoring social media sites to counter those seeking to spread fake news with the aim of fostering panic. Villagers in both states began nightly patrols following rumours on WhatsApp and other social media platforms that gangs of child kidnappers were roaming the region. Local reports of several such killings have also suggested that these were executed to “settle scores” by the victims’ business, social or even political rivals.

Source: The Irish Times June 11, 2018 18:33 UTC