Fact Check: NIA has not launched helpline to report people supporting beheadings of Hindus
A WhatsApp message purportedly issued by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) providing a helpline number to report anyone raising slogans about or supporting “Sar Tan Se Juda” (beheadings) is going viral.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 11 July 2022 4:59 AM GMT
Hyderabad: A WhatsApp message purportedly issued by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) providing a helpline number to report anyone raising slogans about or supporting "Sar Tan Se Juda" (beheadings) is going viral.
The message claims that the NIA issued the message in connection with the controversial remarks made by suspended BJP functionary Nupur Sharma. The message also asks people to report violent posts on Facebook or Twitter.
Fact Check
The NIA denied having launched such a helpline. It issued a press release on 7 July to clarify that it has not issued any such message. It said such messages are "fake and malicious and are part of a mischievous design to mislead the public."
The agency further clarified that the numbers issued in the public domain were for reporting ISIS activities and not in relation to the Nupur Sharma controversy.
"It has come to our notice that certain misleading messages purportedly issued by the NIA are being circulated on various social media platforms. Everyone is hereby informed that the NIA has not issued any such message. Such messages are totally fake and malicious and are part of a mischievous design to mislead the public," the NIA said in a statement.
It said that during investigations by the NIA last year, it was noticed that the Islamic State was targeting gullible youth and radicalising them through false propaganda to further its violent designs. But after an appeal made in September 2021 any such suspicious activity can be reported to the authorities, including the NIA, on its landline number. The numbers, however, are for reporting ISIS activities only.
"We appeal to the people not to be misled by such fake and false messaging. However, they are most welcome to join hands with the NIA in safeguarding our country and its people against terrorism by sharing information about terrorist activities and elements," the NIA said.
Hence the claim that the NIA has launched a helpline where people can report anyone supporting "Sar Tan Se Juda" (beheadings) against Hindus is false.
