Nagaland Police warn against misinformation in Vihozhonu Zao murder case

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Police on Thursday issued a public warning against the circulation of unverified and fabricated information relating to the ongoing investigation into the murder of Vihozhonu Zao, who was killed on October 24.

In a statement, police cited an “unacceptable proliferation of fake news and unverified claims” across social media platforms following the crime, and cautioned that such actions are punishable under national laws, including provisions of the Information Technology Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, relating to defamation, public mischief, spreading hatred, and obstruction of investigation.

“Legal consequences for violations will be severe and can include immediate arrest, criminal prosecution and imprisonment,” it warned.

According to the statement, activities flagged as offences include sharing unverified content; circulating speculation about motives, suspects or circumstances; naming or accusing individuals who have not been identified by investigating authorities; and posts that incite violence or link the crime to any community or ethnicity without evidence.

Appealing for public cooperation, police urged residents to verify information through official channels before sharing, report fake or malicious posts, and respect the privacy and dignity of the victim’s family.

Stating that misinformation hampers investigations and deepens the trauma of those affected, the state police said it would not allow digital platforms to become a “breeding ground for misinformation around a serious criminal investigation.”

“Let this warning serve as the final notice,” it added.

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