Rs 15 Lakh to be Deposited in Postal Accounts? Scores in Kerala's Mannur Fell Victim to Fake News
Although the rumours were dispelled by the authorities, the locals, most of them estate workers in Mannur, insisted on opening up their postal accounts. A special drive was conducted from Monday to open 1,050 new accounts. The police was also roped in view of the commotion at various places.
Palakkad, August 1: Fake news can spread like fire. In Mannur village of Kerala's Palakkad district, scores fall victim to a rumour which claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fulfilling his "promise" by depositing Rs 3-15 lakh into the postal accounts of poor. This led to a panic for three days, with hundreds turning up at the Post Office.
Although the rumours were dispelled by the authorities, the locals, most of them estate workers in Mannur, insisted on opening up their postal accounts. A special drive was conducted from Monday to open 1,050 new accounts. The police was also roped in view of the commotion at various places. One in Two Indians Receiving Fake News Through WhatsApp & Facebook: Report
The Post Office officials, while speaking to reporters, said that they had received no such order either from the state government or the Centre. The only notification sent to them last week was to encourage the opening up of new accounts on Rs 100 minimum balance, they added.
Meanwhile, Mannur region was hit by another fake news, as scores lined up outside the Regional District Office at Devikulam after being told that the Pinarayi Vijayan government is registering names for allocation of "free land and homes".
The RDO officials have complained to the Palakkad police, asking them to take stern action against the rumour mongers in Munnar region.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 01, 2019 09:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).