Delhi police register FIR over Yamuna fish deaths and misinformation
Police are investigating unidentified persons after social media videos of dead fish near Sonia Vihar triggered pollution concerns.
Delhi police have registered an FIR against unidentified individuals following the death of numerous fish in the Yamuna near Sonia Vihar, according to reports by Telegraph India, Urban Acres and Mathrubhumi. The case was filed at the Wazirabad police station after the Delhi government's irrigation and flood control department lodged a complaint.
The FIR includes sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to public mischief, providing false information and insulting with intent to provoke a breach of peace. This action follows the circulation of social media videos two days ago showing dead fish floating in the river.
The Delhi Jal Board has also approached the police to seek action against those allegedly spreading false claims on social media regarding chemical discharges into the water. While locals have suggested that effluent from a tannery near the Hathnikund Barrage caused the deaths, the exact cause remains unestablished.
The incident has led to political tension. Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of placing dead fish in the river to damage the reputation of the BJP government and its cleaning initiatives. The AAP denied these claims and called for an investigation into water contamination.
Experts noted that mass fish deaths can signal a rise in contaminants or toxic discharges, recommending laboratory testing to find the cause. This event follows a similar incident in Burari less than a month ago and occurs ahead of Chhath Puja.