‘Police’ WhatsApp message on Malappuram court blast fake, police begin probe

An audio message being circulated on WhatsApp on the minor bomb blast in Malappuram court premises earlier this month, has become a headache for the police department. The audio message, in the name of ADGP B Sandhya that asks the people of Malappuram to be vigilant as the government will deploy military forces in the district, is fabricated, the police have confirmed. TP Nijish reports for The Times of India that the district police chief of Malappuram, Debesh Kumar Behra has ordered a detailed investigation, following a preliminary investigation report submitted by the special branch DSP of Malappuram Ashoka Kumar.  The report is based on the investigations conducted by the Cyber Cell of police on the fake audio clip.  The audio message asks the people to be vigilant about possible terror attacks in the future and says that the BJP had warned about a terror attack over a month ago. The audio also urges people to conduct raids themselves in order to save themselves."The audio message was a fabricated one and it was a deliberate attempt to create communal and law and order issues in the district. We have started a detailed investigation and the culprits would be arrested soon", the district police chief told TOI. A special team led by DSP of Crime Branch, C K Babu will look into the case.