Former Tamil Nadu DGP R Nataraj booked for spreading malicious messages against DMK government

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Former Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) R Nataraj has been booked by the Trichy cybercrime police for allegedly spreading malicious messages against the DMK government. The case against Nataraj is based on a series of messages circulated via WhatsApp, which the DMK government, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, has described as false propaganda.

During a speech at a wedding in Chennai, Stalin referred to a senior police officer, later identified as Nataraj, accusing him of indulging in a smear campaign. According to Stalin, Nataraj falsely claimed that the DMK did not need Hindu votes to win elections, a statement the Chief Minister vehemently denied.

Nataraj, who is also a former AIADMK MLA, faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The allegations include promoting enmity between different religious groups, intentionally provoking public disturbance, spreading rumors to incite fear or alarm, and personation via communication devices.

The case was registered following a complaint filed by advocate P Sheela of Karumandapam in Trichy, who accused Nataraj of making a false claim that thousands of temples in Tamil Nadu had been destroyed with police support over the last two years. This allegation, as per the case, not only challenges the integrity of the state police but also attempts to incite communal unrest.

Additionally, Nataraj allegedly shared a screenshot from a news channel on a WhatsApp group claiming that Chief Minister Stalin had expressed a disregard for Hindu voters.

The former DGP was booked under sections 153A (promoting communal disharmony), 504 (intentional insult), 505 (1)(b) (intent to provoke), 505 (1)(c) (inciting fear), 505 (2) (statements creating hatred) of the IPC, and section 66 D (identity theft) of the IT Act.

It is important to note that the charges against Nataraj are still allegations, and the case will proceed through the legal system. The police will gather evidence and present it to the court for further investigation and judgment.

The DMK government has been facing criticism and opposition from various quarters, and this incident adds to the ongoing political turmoil in Tamil Nadu. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the reputation of both Nataraj and the DMK government.

In the age of social media, spreading false information and propaganda has become a significant concern. It is essential for individuals to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of the information they share. Authorities must also take strict action against those found guilty of spreading false propaganda to maintain law and order and protect the integrity of public institutions..