The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a probe into the circulation of a fake message regarding 2019 poll dates.

In order to stop the circulation of fake poll dates, ECI has formally approached the Delhi Police.

The ECI spokesperson told CNBC-TV18, "ECI directs CEO Delhi to ask police to investigate the matter of fake news (of 2019 poll dates being circulated on social media) and to take action against unknown persons, and entities under relevant laws in order to prevent rumor mongering."

General elections for the 17th Lok Sabha are due between April and May 2019. Elections to state assemblies in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Odisha, Sikkim and Jammu and Kashmir are also due in 2019.

CNBC-TV18 has accessed a copy of the complaint sent by the office of the Chief Election Officer, Delhi to the Special Cell of Delhi Police.

The complaint is about, “Fake news relating to schedule of 2019 general elections currently in circulation on various social media platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp etc.”

The complaint states that publication of fake news regarding election dates is leading to severe confusion in the public and is thereby creating public nuisance and mischief. The ECI has urged the police to take immediate action against persons and entities responsible.

The Chief Election Officer, Delhi has also asked for an action taken report from the police on the matter. A senior Delhi Police officer told CNBC-TV18 that they would be taking necessary action on the complaint.

First Published:Jan 17, 2019 9:10 PM IST