Surat: Surat Police have registered a case against a Rajasthan-based social media user for allegedly spreading false information and panic about a tsunami threat along Surat’s coastline through viral videos circulated on Instagram and YouTube.

Police identified the accused as Shubham Jangid, who allegedly uploaded videos warning residents to stay away from the sea, claiming a tsunami could hit Surat. The videos reportedly used visuals of the natural low-tide condition at Dumas beach and misleadingly presented them as signs of an approaching tsunami.

Additional Commissioner of Police Balram Meena said the cyber crime unit examined the viral videos and booked the accused under Section 353(1)(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for spreading rumours.

“We found several social media videos claiming that Surat may face a tsunami threat. After verification, one individual named Shubham was booked for circulating rumours. People living in coastal villages have also been advised not to believe such misinformation and to alert police if similar rumours are spread,” Meena said.

Police further stated that social media platforms have been requested to remove at least 11 such videos that allegedly created panic among the public.

In the viral clips, the accused allegedly claimed that the sea water at Dumas beach had receded abnormally and advised people to remain two to three kilometres away from the coastline. He also reportedly compared the situation with tsunami incidents in Japan and other countries and falsely claimed that agencies such as the NDRF had been deployed near the beach.

As the videos spread rapidly across the city and triggered concern among residents, Surat Police initiated an investigation and registered an FIR in the matter. DeshGujarat