Mangaluru : As anti social elements have been misusing social websites like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, v-chat, skype etc for spreading false information and rumours, Inspector general of police (IGP) of western range, P Harishekaran, asserted that spreading false messages through social websites and other means is punishable.

He said that people who spread false messages which have the potential of disturbing social health through will be liable for stringent legal measures under section 153 (A) of Indian Penal Code and 66 (A) of I T Act.

He also said, conveying written messages or signs, written words and visuals which might give rise to or vitiate harmony between people, expose the violators to the risk of being sentenced with imprisonment up to three years or ordered to pay penalty or both,” he warned.