Kerala CM has had just enough of fake news and trolls, promises govt regulation to curb menace

In the wake of a speech and hearing impaired man who lay down on the seat of Kochi metro train, being portrayed as a drunkard, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has come down heavily on people who spread fake news through social media. 

The man, Eldo, is a native of Kidangoor near Angamaly in Thrissur.

Pinarayi reminded that two years ago it was Salim, when the video of a 'drunk' policeman travelling on the Delhi Metro went viral, and then city Police Commissioner BS Bassi had even suspended him from duty. But actually, he had health issues due to a stroke.

According to Eldo’s family, he along with his son and wife visited his brother in Ernakulam General Hospital. His brother was severely sick and it was out of depression and tiredness that Eldo lay down on the train’s seat.

The chief minister said people like Salim and Eldo were at the receiving end of those who have mental disorders, as they spread fake news without cross checking.

The CM also congratulated the journalist of Manorama News who found out the real story.

“Now people’s aim is to create viral news. They don’t even think whether it is true or false. The people who spread it are equally harmful as the one who starts it.

Through social media, people abuse women, spread communalism and include in character assassination. Don’t they know it is a crime that can be charged? Many times such mistakes are made by people, who are bound to be socially responsible.

The government is committed in taking serious steps to regulate fake news spreading via social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Twitter.

Everyone should become a more responsible netizen,” the CM wrote.

The image of Eldo had gone viral and the man was christened ‘Keralathinde Pambu’, or Kerala’s Snake, after the way he lay inside the metro.

Several users online called the man out, stating that ‘people like him’, were the problem, assuming that he was drunk and passed out.