Kerala DGP Loknath Behera today said stern action would be taken against those who try to destroy communal harmony in the state."
Addressing a meeting of top police officials here, Behera said police has stepped up monitoring to prevent misuse of social media to foment communal tension in the state
"His statement assumes significance in the wake of large-scale violence in some parts of the state recently, especially in northern districts, during a 'hoax' hartal call on social media by some unidentified groups to protest the Kathua rape incident.
"The DGP also asked police to refrain from using third degree methods on prisoners and those who had been taken into custody for questioning in connection with cases.
The official said the action of some police personnel was bringing a bad name to the force.
"The 'hartal' held in some places in Kerala following social media campaign, was to ignite communal feelings, Behera said.
" Earlier talking to reporters, he said" investigations were on to trace the persons responsible for the violence during the 'hartal' on April 16.
A message had spread via social media platforms that a state-wide hartal against the Kathua incident would be observed on Monday, urging people to join the protest.
Hundreds of persons were taken into custody in various places of the state for blocking public transport buses, forcibly downing shutters of shops and pelting stones at vehicles in the name of hartal.
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