Mangaluru (Karnataka), Aug 14 As part of measures to ensure peace and prevent any untoward incident ahead of the 74th Independence Day on Saturday, police in Karnataka's port city Mangaluru on Friday warned the citizens against offensive posts in social media.
"Stern action will be taken against offensive posts in social media that could disturb peace or cause disharmony in society," Mangaluru Police Commissioner Vikash Kumar told on phone.
Mangaluru is about 360km west of Bengaluru in the southern state.
"Action will also be taken even against those who share or comment on any derogatory post in social media that could lead to law and order problems in the city,' Kumar asserted.
The warning comes also in the wake of riots in Bengaluru on August 11 triggered by a derogatory remark on Facebook, leading to police firing. Three people lost their lives in the violence.
"Circulating posts with derogatory remarks on social media to disturb communal harmony will also be dealt with sternly," reiterated Kumar.
A screenshot of a controversial Facebook post of 2018 that started doing the rounds in the coastal city also came to the notice of the police.
"Those who indulge in cyber crimes will be booked and prosecuted. Legal action will be taken against those who insult, criticise or hurt religious sentiments of the people," Kumar added.
( With inputs from IANS )