Ex-Serviceman Behind Viral Flood Video Has Been Booked For Spreading Fake News

The video was watched over 4 lakh times on facebook before being taken down

By: News Desk |
August 21, 2018 2:47 pm

An ex-serviceman has been booked for allegedly spreading misinformation on flood relief work carried out by the government and the military.

Unni Nair, working at a firm which takes in retired army personnel, had posted a video on Saturday expressing his anger against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for failing to give complete control to the Army in the flood rescue operations.

The video went viral. It was watched over 4 lakh times, prompting the Indian army to issue a statement.

“Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy (sic)”. the army said in a tweet.

Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy.Forward disinformation about #IndianArmy on WhatsApp +917290028579. We are at it #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/ncUR7tCkZW

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 19, 2018

The video has now been taken down.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also warned of stringent action against those spreading fake information at a time when the state is trying to overcome the “catastrophic” floods with “monumental strength”.

“Some people are trying to malign this great effort with misinformation in the form of fake messages on social media. Police have been instructed to take strict measures against such cyber offenders, he said in a Facebook post.