Meghalaya Police: Quelling the ‘Infodemic’ with Iron Hands
Originally published by Satyaki Baidya on May 1, 2021 | Updated by Tanusha Narula in September 19, 2026
“We are not just fighting an epidemic, we are fighting an infodemic. Fake news spreads faster and more easily than this virus, and is just as dangerous.” — Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (Munich Security Conference, Feb 15, 2020)
To combat the growing menace of viral misinformation during the pandemic, the Meghalaya Police launched a dedicated COVID-19 Fake News Verification Portal. Through this platform, citizens and information seekers can submit details and specific news claims for verification. Applicants receive an instant SMS acknowledgement, allowing law enforcement officers to authenticate the information, bust viral myths, and directly update the applicant via text message or email.
Institutionalizing Truth: The Fake News Verification Portal
The portal was officially launched following the directions of the Supreme Court of India in writ petition (civil) No. 468/2020 (Alakh Alok Srivastava v. Union of India).
“We have received a total of 67 applications, out of which 63 have been thoroughly verified and responded to, while the remaining four are currently being processed,” stated Shri G.K. Iangrai, Assistant Inspector General of Police (Administration), Meghalaya Police. “This portal has been instrumental in helping us curb misinformation while fulfilling the operational guidelines laid down by the Honourable Supreme Court.”
As law enforcement agencies across North East India continue to evolve to meet modern civic challenges—from digital verification systems to inspiring figures like Aparajita Rai, India’s trailblazing IPS officer—the fight against online disinformation remains a vital administrative priority.
Why Busting Fake News is Critical for Public Order
While misinformation has existed since the advent of print media, the rapid surge in internet penetration and mobile data access has accelerated the spread of digital disinformation across social media networks. Left unchecked, unverified rumors pose a direct threat to public safety and law enforcement.
“Everything needs to be anchored in truth. Bringing verified facts to light is imperative for the collective good of society,” explained Iangrai.
“Misinformation creates false perceptions. When an individual becomes the target of baseless allegations, their reputation is tarnished, subjecting them to severe public ridicule and online trolling that severely damages their mental well-being,” he added.
Furthermore, distorted narratives can ignite inter-community friction, fuel public panic, and provoke civil unrest. Guided by their official motto, “Help us to help you,” the Meghalaya Police emphasizes a participatory, community-driven framework. When citizens report suspicious messages to the portal, it enables the Cyber Crime Wing to trace the source of origin and dismantle rumor chains before they spread.
Proactive Interventions and Legal Frameworks
“We constantly analyze the potential ramifications of circulating rumors,” said Iangrai. “If an unverified claim threatens to breach public peace or disrupt the social fabric, we immediately issue official Press Releases and push verified updates across our social media handles.”
The portal acts as both a verification tool and a deterrent. When malicious intent is detected, the Meghalaya Police initiates formal legal proceedings, referring cases to specialized units within the Cyber Crime Wing and local jurisdictional police stations.
While concerns regarding digital monitoring and user privacy are frequently debated in public policy circles, the portal serves as a structured, transparent mechanism aimed strictly at maintaining communal harmony during public health emergencies.
A Collective Responsibility: Media, Police, and Citizens
Curbing digital disinformation requires active collaboration among all institutional stakeholders. While law enforcement investigates offences after they occur, preventing the spread of false information relies on responsible citizen behavior.
“This requires a broader societal shift,” emphasized the Assistant IGP. “The police are stretching their resources across multifaceted operational duties, but we need active media support to educate the public. As the fourth estate, news organizations play a crucial role in verifying facts before publication and discouraging unverified forwards.”
Fighting the Global ‘Infodemic’
A joint statement by the WHO, United Nations, UNICEF, and other international bodies acknowledged that the COVID-19 crisis was the first global health emergency where technology was leveraged at scale to keep populations connected and informed. However, that same infrastructure also amplified an “infodemic” that threatened global response measures.
Through proactive verification and community engagement, the Meghalaya Police’s model represents a concrete step toward mitigating digital harm—an initiative later cited in regional policy research on Internet Governance in North East India.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 1, 2021, by Satyaki Baidya for The Optimist News. It highlights the Meghalaya Police’s digital governance initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
