Naturopath held for spreading false info on medicines to treat

A naturopath was arrested Saturday for allegedly spreading false information through the social media about medicines given by the government to people affected by leptospirosis following the heavy rains last month in Kerala.

Jacob Vadakkanchery was arrested by the state CB-CID after a probe was carried out on a directive received by the state police chief from Health Minister K K Shailaja Teacher, police said.

They said that Jacob, through his social media posts, questioned the authenticity of themedicines given by the government to prevent leptospirosis (rat fever).

Police had earlier warned him against carrying out a false propaganda to create panic among people.

The minister had earlier this week asked the Director General of Police Lokanath Behera to initiate action against Vadakkanchery for spreading misleading information on rat fever.

The government action against him came amid efforts by the health department to control the spread of leptospirosis reported in many parts of Kerala after the floods last month.

Various types of fever, including leptospirosis, has claimed the lives of 11 people in Kerala since August 29.

The torrential rains and floods in Kerala since the onset of the Southwest monsoon on May 29 had claimed the lives of 491 people and left a trail of destruction across the state.