Delhi Police register FIR over alleged misinformation on Yamuna fish deaths
The case follows social media videos showing dead fish near Sonia Vihar and a complaint from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against unidentified individuals for allegedly spreading false information regarding the death of numerous fish in the Yamuna, according to The Hindu. The case was filed at the Wazirabad police station following a complaint from the Delhi government’s Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
The FIR includes sections 353, 352, and 240 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which relate to statements causing public mischief, intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace, and providing false information about a committed offence. The Delhi Jal Board has also filed a separate complaint seeking action against unidentified people for spreading misleading claims on social media about chemical discharges into the river.
The matter surfaced after videos showing large numbers of dead fish floating near Sonia Vihar appeared on social media on November 12. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of placing dead fish in the water to discredit the BJP-led government's cleaning efforts. The AAP rejected these claims and has called for an investigation into whether chemical discharges caused the deaths.
Local residents have suggested that effluents from a tannery near the Hathnikund Barrage might be responsible. While experts noted that mass fish deaths can indicate a rise in contaminants or toxic substances, the exact cause has not been established. Laboratory tests have been recommended to determine the source of the deaths.
This incident occurs less than a month after hundreds of dead fish were found near Burari and ahead of the Chhath Puja festivities.