Karnataka CM gives nod to create fact check unit to tighten noose around spread of fake news
Bengaluru, Aug 21: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday gave his approval to set up a fact check unit and promulgation of necessary rules and laws in the state.
A statement issued by his office said the decision was taken with a view that fake news should be controlled as it was dangerous for democracy and would polarise the society.
The decision was taken in a meeting on cyber security chaired by the Chief Minister at his home office 'Krishna'.
Siddaramaiah approved three-step measures of detecting fake news and syndicates that create them, preventing the spread of fake news, and giving severe punishment to the accused.
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The fact check unit will comprise a monitoring committee and fact check analysis team along with the appointment of nodal officers.
It was explained in the meeting that a capacity building team can be formed and technology can be leveraged systematically.
Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge said though Bengaluru Police is also active on social media, the state needs a fact check unit. According to him, 'deep fake' is also being utilised using Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is helpful for those spreading fake news.
State Home Minister G Parameshwara said although the fake news network is in its infancy globally, it is likely to become widely used over time.
Parameshwara insisted upon forming the fact checking committee immediately and working on capacity building. He also said that identifying fake news is essential to maintain law and order.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda said people should be informed that it is a punishable crime.
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Three private doctors arrested in illegal scanning case involving 31 minor pregnant girls in KR Pet
Mandya: Police on Tuesday arrested three private doctors in connection with a case involving alleged illegal scanning of 31 minor pregnant girls at a private diagnostic centre in KR Pet. The accused were later remanded to judicial custody.
The arrested doctors have been identified as Dr. Divyachetan of Chetana Maternity Centre, Dr. Harshit of Navi Diagnostic Centre, and Dr. Harish of Kushal Diagnostic Centre.
Police said Priyanka, a gynaecologist attached to a government hospital, is absconding and efforts are under way to trace her.
The case came to light after Karnataka Lokayukta Police recently conducted raids, during which illegal sex determination tests on minor pregnant girls were allegedly detected at two diagnostic centres in KR Pet town.
Following the raids, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Mohan, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department P.S. Asha, and District Child Protection Officer Rashmi inspected several diagnostic centres and filed cases at KR Pet Town and Rural police stations.
According to the allegations, Navi Diagnostic Centre conducted scans on 24 minor pregnant girls, including 19 cases in 2024 and five in 2025. Kushal Diagnostic Centre is accused of conducting scans on seven minor pregnant girls.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar has directed taluk vigilance committees to inspect all 63 ultrasound scanning centres in the district and submit reports within 10 days.
Officials said the Tahsildar of each taluk has been appointed chairperson of the respective committee.
