Delhi Police on Thursday said it has identified and initiated action to block more than 400 Pakistan-based social media handles that were allegedly spreading misinformation and rumours linked to the ongoing CJP protests in the national capital.
Addressing the media, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sumit Jha said the accounts were attempting to exploit the current situation by circulating fake content to provoke unrest and divert the attention of students. According to the police, many of these handles had also been active during Operation Sindoor, when they allegedly amplified anti-India propaganda online.
While urging people to remain vigilant, the police appealed to students, parents and the wider public not to trust unverified posts, edited videos or content shared by anonymous accounts without first verifying the information. At the same time, the force reiterated that it respects every citizen’s constitutional right to hold peaceful protests, drawing a distinction between lawful democratic expression and coordinated attempts to spread misinformation.
Police Warn Against Misinformation
Explaining the development, DCP Sumit Jha said Delhi Police had been closely monitoring online activity surrounding the ongoing protests and noticed a coordinated attempt to circulate misleading narratives.
“So far, more than 400 Pakistani social media handles have been identified, which are taking advantage of this situation and spreading fake content and rumours. They are being blocked. These are the same social media handles which were active during Operation Sindoor as well. Their only aim is to provoke people and especially divert the attention of students,” he said.
The police urged citizens to exercise caution before engaging with viral social media content, particularly material originating from anonymous or unverifiable sources. Appealing directly to students and parents, Jha said, “For the safety of children, do not get provoked by any fake post, edited videos or any post made by anonymous handle. Fact check any post before sharing it. Do not spread rumours and do not let any anti-social elements control your emotions.”
Officials said misinformation campaigns often rely on emotionally charged content, selectively edited videos and fabricated claims to generate confusion and amplify public anxiety. Authorities therefore advised users to rely on official government communications, verified news organisations and credible fact-checking sources before sharing information online.
While taking action against accounts allegedly involved in spreading misinformation, Delhi Police also reaffirmed that peaceful protest remains a democratic right protected under the Constitution. “Remember that it is your right to hold a peaceful protest and Delhi Police respects this right,” Jha added, emphasising that the crackdown is directed at malicious online campaigns rather than legitimate public dissent.
Operation Sindoor Link Raises Concerns
The latest announcement comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny over coordinated online influence operations targeting sensitive events in India. According to Delhi Police, many of the social media handles identified during the current protests had previously been active during Operation Sindoor, when authorities had also alleged the spread of anti-India propaganda and misinformation from Pakistan-based accounts.
Security agencies have increasingly warned that periods of public unrest, elections, security incidents and large-scale protests are often exploited by malicious actors seeking to amplify divisions through disinformation campaigns. Such operations typically involve rapidly sharing misleading narratives, edited visuals and emotionally charged posts across multiple platforms to increase their reach and influence public opinion.
The police’s latest advisory highlights the growing challenge of distinguishing genuine citizen expression from coordinated attempts at information manipulation. Social media platforms have become central to public conversations during major events, making them powerful tools for both civic engagement and misinformation.
This has prompted law enforcement agencies to step up digital monitoring while also encouraging citizens to practise responsible online behaviour. Authorities maintain that verifying information before forwarding it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of false narratives, particularly during periods of heightened public sensitivity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The digital age has transformed the speed at which information travels, but it has also increased the responsibility that comes with consuming and sharing it. Whether misinformation originates within the country or from across borders, its consequences can be serious, especially when it targets emotionally charged public issues involving students, families or national security.
At the same time, safeguarding democratic values requires an equally careful distinction between genuine peaceful protest and malicious attempts to manipulate public sentiment through false or misleading content.
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