+
 
For the best experience, open
m.thewire.in
on your mobile browser or Download our App.
You are reading an older article which was published on
Oct 16, 2020

Mumbai Police Arrest Delhi Lawyer for Spreading 'Fake News' About Sushant Singh Rajput Case

Police officials said Vibhor Anand was involved in concocting 'conspiracy theories' related to the actor's death.

New Delhi: Delhi-based advocate Vibhor Anand has been arrested by the Mumbai Police on allegations of spreading fake news about the events surrounding the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

According to India Today, Anand was brought to Mumbai by the police, where he was taken into custody on Thursday.

Police officials said Anand made false allegations about the Rajput’s death. He also made false allegations on the circumstances surrounding the death of the actor’s former manager Disha Salian, accusing him of concocting ‘conspiracy theories’ that defamed some celebrities and the Maharashtra government.

According to India TV News, Anand was arrested after actor and producer Arbaaz Khan lodged a complaint with the cyber cell. Khan had also filed a case in a civil court in the city, and the court had directed Vibhor Anand, Sakshi Bhandari and some other unknown defendants to withdraw, recall or take down the defamatory content published directly or indirectly by any of them.

The media’s coverage and the intense attention that some social media users have paid to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput has been criticised by many. While the media’s actions have been described as a ‘witch hunt’ and ‘trial by media’, the Mumbai Police have also claimed that over 80,000 bots and fake accounts were involved in an attempt to ‘discredit’ the state government and the police.

The actor’s death was ruled as a suicide by the Mumbai Police. The CBI took over the case on the directions of the Supreme Court, and has ruled out the possibility that the actor was murdered. The investigating agency is probing whether Rajput’s partner Rhea Chakraborty abetted his suicide.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. The Suicide Prevention India Foundation maintains a list of telephone numbers (www.spif.in/seek-help/) they can call to speak in confidence. You could also refer them to the nearest hospital.

Make a contribution to Independent Journalism
facebook twitter