In a fiery response to a wave of misinformation spreading online, Andhra Pradesh IT and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh on Sunday condemned what he described as “malicious and fabricated propaganda” being circulated on social media platforms.

Taking to X, Lokesh accused certain political elements of deliberately distorting facts for political gain. He alleged that a 2023 video from a Gurukul school in a neighboring state was being falsely portrayed as a recent incident in Araku, sparking unnecessary outrage and confusion among the public.

“The so-called ‘Blue Batch,’ which thrives on false narratives, has become a danger to society,” Lokesh stated. “Despite the state government’s Fact Check wing providing detailed clarification earlier, these groups have once again resorted to spreading the same fake video with a new twist. This is not just political mischief, it is habitual criminal behavior,” he added.

Expressing strong disapproval, Lokesh questioned whether such forces were part of a political party or a gang of habitual offenders. He warned that persistent misinformation campaigns could erode public trust and damage social harmony.

“Those indulging in fake propaganda must face strict action. I have urged the police to take necessary steps against these offenders,” the minister declared.

Lokesh’s sharp comments come amid a surge of politically charged content on social media. The Minister emphasized that citizens should not believe such fabricated posts and should instead rely on verified information released by official sources.