The fact that social messaging services such as WhatsApp have practically transformed the way we communicate is a truism. But, what is the reliability of the human mind that operates this service? The question is moot.

In the recent past, WhatsApp subscribers have received several messages that are purported to be from genuine sources about child kidnapping gangs operating across Mumbai, Thane and the neighbouring districts. These, however, have been rubbished as rumours by the Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria and the superintendent of police of Palghar, the district where the messages seemed to have originated.