Gurugram Police files case against WhatsApp directors for denying information in probe: Report

WhatsApp update: Gurugram Police have filed a case against WhatsApp's leadership in India for non-cooperation and failing to provide information in an ongoing probe.

According to reports, the Gurugram Police filed a first information report (FIR) against WhatsApp India's directors and nodal officers for disobeying a public servant's orders, shielding the offender from legal consequences and destroying electronic documents that may be used as evidence in an ongoing investigation.

"Despite being legally bound to provide the desired information under the existing laws of the country, WhatsApp management has violated the legal instructions by not providing the information sought," the Gurugram Police said in a statement.

Gurugram Police vs WhatsApp

The matter dates back to May 27 when an inspector at Gurugram Police Station filed an FIR under criminal conspiracy and cheating charges. As a part of the investigation, Gurugram Police asked the Meta-owned messaging app for sharing information regarding four numbers used by the accused. Subsequently, the Gurugram Police sent a notice to WhatsApp on July 17 via an email requesting the company to share data relevant to their investigation.

On July 19, WhatsApp raised objections and sought clarification regarding 'the nature of criminal activities that were allegedly perpetrated' using the four numbers on which the police had sought information on.

The Gurugram Police responded to WhatsApp's request on August 23. "It was explicitly stated that the matter warranted immediate action due to grave concerns surrounding investigation," the police wrote in its complaint adding that the company rejected the request on August 28 despite Gurugram Police's 'diligent and lawful requests'.

Furthermore, the complaint said that by not sharing the information sought by the Gurugram Police, WhatsApp 'appears to have knowingly abetted the accused individuals, thereby engaging in deliberate suppression and obstruction of critical electronic evidence'.

Following WhatsApp's refusal to provide the requested data, Gurugram Police filed a case against the company's representatives in India under the Information Technology Act and the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.