Cronavirus: One-year imprisonment for spreading rumours on coronavirus

Hyderabad: One-year imprisonment for those spreading fake news and rumours on coronavirus, said Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar.

Soon after the government announced the closure of schools, colleges, theatres and shopping malls, the commissioner warned not to create any such fake news on coronavirus.

"Spreading such kind of news is bad for society and those creating fake information on coronavirus to fear the public will be liable for punishment under section 54 of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). One-year jail term will be awarded under the act," said the CP.

The Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao also warned the media not to publish or telecast unconfirmed news about coronavirus cases. He asked the media to strictly go by the information released from the health department with regard to coronavirus cases and said those spreading fake news will face stringent action.