Paralakhemundi: At a time when coronavirus fear has gripped the entire nation, an Odisha youth was detained for spreading rumours about the infection on social media.
The accused, Surya Pradhan, posted on his Facebook account that a person from Betarsingh village under Mohana block had tested positive for COVID-19.
This post triggered panic among villagers. However, it was later found that it was fake news.
The accused is a resident of Malaspadar village in Gajapati district.
In the past 10 days, nearly six people from different parts of the state have been arrested for spreading rumours about coronavirus.
The state government has also urged people not to panic over fake news and follow the official updates provided by the administration regarding the infection.
Till date, two people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha.