Reporter’s diary: Fake news forces Anna Univ to reveal real list

Though the media demanded the release of the list, Anna University refused to come out with the list since the students studying in those institutions would be affected.

But, a little later, a four-page report about the colleges in the list was being widely circulated on social media. The report had Anna University’s name on the top of every sheet.

When this correspondent contacted a senior spokesperson of Anna University, the official was surprised to find how the list was made public without the vice chancellor’s consent. He also requested the reporters not to publish the news since it might be a false one.

The official called back a few minutes later and said that the report being circulated was indeed fake and was compiled by a person who had no means of accessing the real information.

As things were spiralling out of control, the university finally decided to release the original list of colleges. The university authorities said that action would be taken against the person, who circulated the fake list. “The university’s reputation is important. We have released the list to clear confusion. No institution should face dishonour because of a fake report,” the official said.