A WhatsApp message is being circulated that claims that shops in Mumbai will be open for only specific time. As per this message, newspapers distribution and shops selling milk and groceries will be open only for a short duration every day.
Maharashtra is currently in lockdown and there is also a curfew. However, the state government has said that people selling essentials such as milk, vegetables, fruits, grocery and medicines can stay open. This WhatsApp message has been created to spread panic and confusion at this time. Param Bir Singh, Mumbai’s Commissioner of Police, has lashed out to such fake messages in a tweet posted earlier today and requested citizens not to share such messages regarding emergency services without verifying first.
“Namaste, I’m the Commissioner of Mumbai Police and this list has definitely not been made on my directions! The last thing we want to get infected with and pass on during such crisis is rumours. Pls verify every msg regarding emergency services before you forward. #StaySafeFromRumours ” he said in his tweet.
Namaste, I’m the Commissioner of @MumbaiPolice & this list has definitely not been made on my directions! The last thing we want to get infected with & pass on during such crisis is rumours. Pls verify every msg regarding emergency services before you forward #StaySafeFromRumours pic.twitter.com/UO4y3gY1dm
— CP Mumbai Police (@CPMumbaiPolice) March 24, 2020
The post shows an image which shows specific timings to buy milk, groceries and medicines at medical shops. As per the image, the goods will be distributed according to this time table.
“By order of Mumbai Police Commissioner,” the image claims in the end.
The tweet has received over 5,200 likes and more than 2,100 retweets within four hours of being shared. Several Mumbaikars have thanked Singh for clarifying on the message.
As the number of people testing positive for coronavirus increasing in Maharashtra is increasing so are the rumours. In one such instance, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) had issued a notice to a Mumbai-based doctor who had termed the virus as a "Chinese fad" which will not survive in the Indian summer.
Dr Anil Patil, a Dadar resident was asked to present an explanation in front of MMC. Dr Patil had reportedly made claims that the fear over novel coronavirus is unwarranted and that the virus will not survive in Indian summer.
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