COVID-19: Fake News On Shutdown Leads To Frenzied Rush In Markets In Odisha

Paralakhemundi: Even after Odisha government's warning of stern action against the spread of hoax related to coronavirus, certain unscrupulous elements continue to create panic by spreading bogus news. Fake news of a shutdown in Paralakhemundi Town triggered panic among locals and led to huge congregations in local markets on Monday.

Panic gripped people as the fake news of shutdown in Paralakhemundi and the block headquarters from July 28 to July 30, spread like wildfire yesterday.

Today morning, without any clue, thousands of people rushed to markets to buy essentials. However, the district administration swung into action and both the Gajapati district collector and the SP rushed to the markets to allay panic among people.

Later, speaking to the media, Gajapati SP Tapan Kumar Patnaik said, "We will investigate the matter and trace the person who spread such hoax. We will definitely identify them and take stringent action. I appeal people not to believe any such fake news."

[caption id="attachment_465132" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Gajapati SP Tapan Kumar Patnaik[/caption]

He further said that people need not panic as the administration will inform them much in advance about any shutdown or lockdown in case it has any such plans in future taking into account the COVID-19 situation in the area.

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