The Delhi Police has denied the authenticity of a viral notice circulating on social media that says people have to apply for permission before leaving the national capital. It’s a fraud that’s a hoax; we’ve issued a warning to citizens— not to believe or send such messages, the police said.
Notably, the purported notice (which was distributed via social media and messaging apps) said residents and visitors in Delhi would need official approval before traveling outside the city. There was also talk of legal action against those violating the purported directive, which was certainly misdirected and concerned many people.
Responding to the viral claims, Delhi Police issued a clarification saying no such order has been issued by the department. But it was also said that the notice is fake and should not be taken as an official communication.
The police asked the public to verify information only through authenticated government sources, official press releases, and verified Delhi Police social media accounts. Citizens should also keep away from sending unverified messages to the public, as in doing so misinformation can spread and generate unnecessary panic.
Fake government notices look like official documents, they said, so they appear credible at first sight. However, those fake notices are designed to deceive the public and disrupt normalcy.
Delhi Police said that if there is a travel advisory, restriction, or public order, it will be communicated through official channels. We don’t advise people to just screenshot, forward messages, or share unofficial posts without having them checked,” said the department.
The government also reminded citizens that the creation or circulation of fake government orders can be criminalized under law. Distributing false information that causes alarm and unrest will likely lead to criminal action.
Cybercrime experts have warned repeatedly about the proliferation of fake advisories, forged circulars, and manipulated government notices on social media. They said they would recommend looking for the official websites and verified handles before accepting any information as genuine.
The Delhi Police's quick response was able to dispel rumors surrounding the viral notice and reassured the public that there are no restrictions requiring permission to leave the national capital.
The authorities have again said the public needs to be aware of misinformation, make sure that they don’t share unverified stuff with people, and report anything that seems suspicious or fishy to the authorities. How we use social media should be responsible so as not to spread fake news and to keep people’s trust in the system.
