A fabricated order purportedly issued by Kolkata Police Headquarters imposing Section 144 of the CrPC in parts of the city went viral across social media on Thursday, May 7 — triggering widespread panic among residents before police swiftly and firmly denied it.
The fake document, bearing the Kolkata Police Headquarters letterhead, the date May 7, 2026 and the signature of a purported Deputy Commissioner of Police, claimed that prohibitory orders had been imposed in Khidirpur, Topsia and Rippon Street areas. The document prohibited gatherings of four or more people, carrying of weapons, and assemblies or processions — and bore what appeared to be an official police seal.
It was entirely fabricated.
Kolkata Police dismissed the viral advisory as completely fake and misleading, assuring citizens that the law-and-order situation in the city remains normal and under close watch. In an official statement, the police clarified that the viral message had not been issued by the department and urged people not to believe or circulate unverified information. “Law and order in Kolkata is normal and being closely monitored,” the force said.
The official statement from Kolkata Police Headquarters was unambiguous: “This advisory is fake and misleading. The law and order situation within Kolkata Police jurisdiction remains completely normal and is under constant and vigilant monitoring. Strict legal action is being initiated against those responsible for circulating such false information in the name of the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata.”
Why this matters — and why it spread so fast
The fake document circulated at a particularly sensitive moment. West Bengal is in the immediate aftermath of a historic BJP election victory on May 4, which ended 15 years of TMC rule. The fake notice claimed tensions and disturbances in Ripon Street, Janbazar and surrounding areas of Kolkata — neighbourhoods with significant communal sensitivity — at a time when the state is already dealing with isolated incidents of post-poll violence.
The combination of official-looking letterhead, a realistic police seal, a specific date and named localities made the document convincing enough to spread rapidly through WhatsApp groups and X before police could respond. This is a textbook example of targeted disinformation designed to exploit an existing atmosphere of tension.
What the law says
Creating and circulating a forged government document is a cognisable offence under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — including forgery of a document used as evidence and impersonation of a public servant. Kolkata Police has confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against those responsible for originating and spreading the document.
Citizens are advised to verify any law enforcement advisory through Kolkata Police’s official website at kolkatapolice.gov.in, its verified social media handles, or by calling 100 or 112 before acting on or forwarding such information.