IT News
Imphal, Aug 28:
In a startling development in Manipur, a tale of abduction of 17 students turned out to be an attempt by three schoolgirls to escape repercussions for missing classes. The girls, from Bishnupur district, spun a narrative of being kidnapped and managing a daring escape, capturing the attention and concern of many in the state. The story was debunked following a clarification from the Bishnupur SP.
The story quickly gained traction when some media outlets, rushing to break the news without adequate verification, shared it on their social media platforms. The false report spread like wildfire, leading many to believe in the alleged kidnapping.
K Meghachandra, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Bishnupur district, addressed the incident and highlighted the discrepancies in the girls’ recounting of events. “The three students claimed they were kidnapped by two masked individuals on their way to school. They alleged they were among 20 students taken for a picnic and, becoming suspicious during the journey, jumped out of the vehicle in the Kamong Maishnam area,” the SP explained.
However, on further investigation, inconsistencies emerged in the girls’ testimonies. “Following proper verification and due formalities, we established that their narrative was concocted to avoid punishment for skipping class,” Meghachandra clarified.
Previously, reports had circulated that masked individuals attempted to abduct 20 students in the Nambol area. It was claimed that the three girls made a narrow escape by leaping from the moving vehicle shortly after their alleged abduction.
Given the current atmosphere in Manipur, marked by unrest and over 170 reported fatalities, the public was quick to accept the fabricated story. The false report, coming on the heels of an intense political climate, triggered panic across the state and led to a widespread outpouring of concern on social media platforms.
The timing of the alleged incident, just a day before a special Assembly session, further fueled the believability of the narrative.
In response to the circulating rumor, the Nambol Police Station became a focal point for thousands seeking clarity on the situation. Not only did local residents converge on the location, but people from distant areas also joined, swelling the crowd. The assembly of such a vast number near the station and along the surrounding roads created a challenging scenario for law enforcement, testing the limits of their ability to maintain order and calm.
In the present situation in Manipur, it’s crucial for individuals to verify any information before acting on it. Misinformation or fake news can exacerbate the already volatile situation and lead to significant unrest.
