On Monday Delhi Assembly’s committee responsible for peace and harmony said that “prima facie” it seems like Facebook “played a role” in worsening the Northeast Delhi riots, and announced its decision to investigate the role of WhatsApp in the increase of violence.
Committee chairperson Raghav Chadha based his statement on allegations made by Chhattisgarh-based journalist Awesh Tiwari. Tiwari has lodged an FIR against Facebook India’s policy head Ankhi Das, and independent journalists Kunal Purohit and Subhash Gatade. Facebook officials did not acknowledge the email, texts or demands that sought an inquiry into Ankhi Das’ comment.
“The committee through its chairman Raghav Chadha has prima facie found Facebook complicit in Delhi riots of February 2020 on the premise of incriminatory material produced on record by the witnesses as well as their scathing depositions before the Committee, and thus deciding to summon the Facebook officials in its next meeting in order to examine them on oath and determine on their culpability,” an official statement read.
At a press conference, Chadha alleged that Facebook should be treated as a co-accused in the Delhi riots.
