BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Police warned of strict action Sunday against those behind communally provocative posts on social media regarding the train accident, saying the focus should instead have been on how scores of volunteers from the area responded to the tragedy, irrespective of community or faith.
“This is highly unfortunate. Investigation by the GRP, Odisha, into the cause and all other aspects of the accident is going on. We appeal to all concerned to desist from circulating such false and ill-motivated posts. Severe legal action will be initiated against those who are trying to create communal disharmony by spreading rumours,” Odisha Police tweeted.

Though nobody has so far been booked for social media posts that could potentially stoke trouble, the state police headquarters has engaged cybercrime experts to identify the troublemakers.”

We have activated our social media teams and cybercrime experts to enhance online patrolling and keep a tab on provocative posts. If the social media users do not delete nor refrain from spreading rumours, we will trace and arrest them,” a senior police official said.

02:16

Restoration work in progress at Balasore train accident site in Odisha: Aerial drone footage reveals ongoing efforts

Police said people of Balasore and nearby areas, irrespective of their religion, exhibited extraordinary humanity in the wake of a colossal tragedy. “We all saw how hundreds of people who are in no way related to the passengers turned up in large numbers on Friday evening for the rescue operation. Many made a beeline for hospitals to donate blood. Unfortunately, some miscreants are trying to create disharmony through social media,” the officer said.