FIR for fake Karnataka govt circular announcing holiday following death of Saalumarada Thimmakka

The Central division cyber crime police have registered an FIR against an unknown person for creating a fake notification claiming that the government of Karnataka had declared November 15 as a holiday for schools, colleges and government offices following the death of Padma Shri awardee and renowned environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, by forging the signature of a senior official.

Based on a complaint filed by Elisha Andrews, Program Director (ULMS),E-Governance on November 15, police charged the accused under Section 66(c) (Identity theft) and summoned the admin of the WhatsApp group where the notification originated.

The fake notification was fabricated using digital photoshop tools and circulated on WhatsApp groups to spread misinformation and misguide people.

Mrs. Andrews, whose details were misused to create the fake notification, asked the police to track down the accused and take legal action so that such mischief is not repeated .

The notification was circulated on several WhatsApp groups leading to confusion among parents and school managements.