A 29-year-old Behala resident was arrested for allegedly posting false information about the spread of Covid-19 cases in a WhatsApp group for guardians of a kindergarten school in New Alipore where her child studies.

The post claimed that 15 residents of a New Alipore block had tested positive for the coronavirus and urged everyone not to step out to buy essentials.

The woman has been charged under Section 505(1)(b) of IPC that deals with conducting public mischief with intent to cause or which is likely to cause fear or alarm to the public or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the State or against the public tranquillity. The maximum punishment for the offence could be up to three years.

“It is not a forward message girls so plz don’t ignore,” read her message in the WhatsApp group with 93 members. “New Alipore had become hot spot for Corona. 15 cases have been in block P and 2 in my lane. Plz be careful everyone. Bhale daal chawal khao but don’t send any of your family members to buy veggies and fruits. This information is reliable so plz don’t be ignorant and be house arrested.”

The message posted around 8pm on Sunday sparked panic. Many New Alipore residents called up police to verify the news.

The cops traced the source of the fake news to the woman. “Asked why she had posted false information that could create panic, she had no explanation,” said an officer of New Alipore police station.