Kolkata Police dismiss viral safety advisory as fake, warn of legal action

Kolkata Police on Wednesday dismissed a viral “public safety advisory” circulating on social media as fake and misleading, stating that the law-and-order situation in Kolkata remains normal and under close monitoring. In an official statement issued online, the police clarified that the purported advisory had not been released by the department and urged residents not to believe or share unverified information capable of creating panic.

The fabricated document, which circulated widely across digital platforms, was presented as an official communication from the Kolkata Police Department and warned of unrest in areas including Ripon Street and Janbazar. The advisory instructed residents to avoid gatherings, remain indoors and follow emergency precautions. Police stated that the forged notice falsely used official formatting and references to public safety guidelines to create an impression of authenticity.

Kolkata Police stated that the city’s security situation remains under control and that authorities are continuously monitoring developments across sensitive areas. The department warned that strict legal action would be taken against individuals involved in creating or circulating false advisories and misinformation in the name of the police administration. Officials also urged citizens to depend only on verified communication issued through official police channels.

The clarification came amid circulation of several videos and social media posts related to incidents of post-election violence in West Bengal. Police stated that misleading content linking unrelated visuals and claims to Kolkata had also been detected online. Authorities specifically denied claims suggesting deployment of the Indian Army in Kolkata and described such assertions as false and misleading.

Police officials reiterated that misinformation and fabricated alerts could disrupt public order and create unnecessary fear among residents during politically sensitive situations. Citizens were urged to verify information before forwarding messages on social media platforms and to report suspicious or misleading content to the authorities. Investigations are currently underway to identify individuals responsible for creating and spreading the fake advisory.