FridayOL

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Finance Minister has taken legal action, filing a police complaint against a Facebook page that posted a fabricated claim alleging he sought Rs 1.91 lakh (approximately $2,300 USD) for medical expenses related to a single day's treatment at a government medical college in Thiruvananthapuram last year. The minister's office confirmed the complaint, aiming to address the spread of misinformation and protect the minister's reputation.

The Facebook post, which quickly went viral, accused the minister of unethical conduct and misuse of public funds. It alleged that the minister submitted a bill for a substantial amount for a short hospital stay, sparking widespread criticism and debate online. However, the minister's office has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that the bill is entirely fabricated and intended to tarnish his image.

“The information circulating on social media is completely false and misleading,” a statement from the minister’s office read. “We have registered a police complaint and are confident that a thorough investigation will reveal the truth and expose those responsible for spreading this malicious content.”

The police are currently investigating the matter, tracing the origin of the Facebook post and identifying the individuals behind the page. Authorities are exploring potential charges related to defamation, spreading false information, and cybercrime.

This incident highlights the growing concern over the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms in India. Such fabricated claims can have serious repercussions, damaging reputations and undermining public trust in government officials. The Kerala government has been vocal about its commitment to combating fake news and ensuring responsible use of social media.

Experts suggest that the increasing ease with which false information can be created and disseminated online necessitates greater media literacy and fact-checking initiatives. They also emphasize the role of social media platforms in actively monitoring and removing content that is demonstrably false or misleading.

The case is being closely watched by political observers and legal experts alike, as it raises important questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibility of social media platforms to combat the spread of harmful content. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for how such cases are handled in the future, particularly in the context of increasingly polarized political discourse.

Key Takeaways:

• Kerala Finance Minister files police complaint against Facebook page.
• The complaint stems from a fabricated claim of a large hospital bill.
• The minister's office denies the allegations and calls for an investigation.
• The incident underscores the problem of fake news and misinformation on social media.