It's A Hoax: Commissionerate Police On Facebook Accounts Offering Help To Women In Distress

Bhubaneswar: At a time when rising number of rape cases has posed safety concerns among people not only in Odisha but across the country, a few youngsters in the State were seen sharing numbers on social media platforms pledging their support to women and girls in distress.

Reportedly, some Facebook account holders shared locations and phone numbers as part of a campaign and offered help to women in case they feel insecure while travelling. “Give us a call and we will be there to help” summarised their concern.

When OTV tried to find out about authenticity of such messages on social media, Commissionerate Police claimed it a hoax and warned people against falling prey to such 'mischievous' trends.

It's A Hoax! Commissionerate Police warns people against falling prey to social media msgs doing rounds about youths pledging support to women in distress. DCP Anup Sahoo says,"This is supposedly a mischief. I urge people not to believe in such messages trending on social media." pic.twitter.com/4YyzPm7NzZ

— OTV (@otvnews) December 5, 2019

Twin city DCP Anup Sahoo said, "I urge people not to believe in such messages trending on social media. We are examining that. In case of mischief, legal action will be taken."

Through a tweet, Commissionerate Police has mentioned about the Facebook trend and issued an advisory asking everyone to refrain from relying on the posts and dial 100 if needed.

A FB trend of some people posting their cell numbers offering help to women/girls has come to our notice.

Advice:

(a) Don’t rely on these posts.

(b) Dial 100 for our friendly & well-trained operators to attend you.

(c) Give us feedback to improve our service.