Law gets tough, now no bail for hoax callers

In a bid to rein in rumour-mongers and pranksters indulged in making hoax calls, Delhi Police has started categorizing such acts under non-bailable offence.

The police have received 80 fake calls so far this year, which is a record for this period. Those found creating fear or alarm among general public will be charged under Section 505-B (spreading rumours, resulting in punishment up to 3 years with/ without fine) of the Indian Penal Code.

‘‘We hope this will act as deterrent. A hoax call means a lot of pressure on us. Any call to the PCR cannot be ignored like that and someone has to rush to the spot. Some did it for fun, others to create trouble,’’ a senior police officer said. Added another officer: ‘‘We do not take any calls lightly. Tackling hoax calls is wastage of money and manpower and also adds to our work burden.’’

Last month, Delhi Police charged a Noida-based teacher, Rose Dehb, under Section 505-B for the first time for allegedly sending SMSes to a lawyer that bombs had been planted in Patiala House and Supreme Court. Of late, there has been an increase in the number of hoax calls after the serial blasts in the capital, that kept cops on their toes.

Soon after the blasts, there were bomb scares at Barakhamba Road, Rajiv Chowk Metro station and several other places. Recently, the police control room received a call that a bus plying on route number 460 between Okhla and New Delhi Railway station will be target of a massive explosion. In the past two days, some schools have also received threat calls, creating panic among parents and students. Bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs were rushed to these spots and after hectic searching of the premises, the calls were declared hoax.

The police control room had last year received 123 such calls.

With Thanks from the Times of India
Source :- The Times of India 29 September 2008 P 2 Delhi
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