Magisterial Probe On Jammu Bus Accident Rumor:- A magisterial probe has been ordered by the Rajouri authorities over a rumor, that a school bus was believed to have met with an accident in Jammu’s Rajouri district.
The probe has been ordered by Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
The Gareeb Nawaz Academy school bus on Thursday, was carrying 45 persons on a picnic from Manjakot in Poonch to Peer Ki Gali on the Mughal Road that connects Rajouri with Shopian district in the Kashmir Valley. The school is based in Poonch.
The rumor spread on WhatsApp groups putting the administration in border districts of Poonch and Rajouri on high alert. High panic arose at Manjakot when the “news” spread that atleast 40 school children were feared dead when the bus fell into the deep gorge in Rajouri.
The ambulances and rescue teams were rushed to the spot by the authorities, but there was no trace of the supposed accident.
Iqbal later confirmed the news that there was no accident in a tweet.
Magisterial Probe ordered in fake news circulated regarding bus accident involving death of 40 students. Culprits to be booked under PSA.
— Shahid Choudhary (@listenshahid) May 25, 2017
No such accident https://t.co/WPHq6o5ZkQ
— Shahid Choudhary (@listenshahid) May 25, 2017
News about bus accident leaving 40 children dead is false. The reported bus has returned safely.
— Shahid Choudhary (@listenshahid) May 25, 2017
The district administration officials later contacted the owner of the private school in Manjakot. As per the reports, the driver of the school bus was safe, within hours after rumors of the accident went viral.
A magisterial probe will be conducted by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Mumtaz Ali to identify the rumor-mongers. Additional Superintendent of Police Yousaf Choudhary, DIO National Informatics Centre Sanjay Puri, ARTO Rajouri and General Manager Telecom will assist the ADM. The cyber wing of the police department will also provide assistance to the team.
The suspects are being called for questioning. A report has also been sought from intelligence agencies in this regard. Police are lodging an FIR in the matter.
SUPRAJA
