#FactCheck - False Claim of Hindu Sadhvi Marrying Muslim Man Debunked

Research Wing

Innovation and Research

PUBLISHED ON

Jul 2, 2024

Executive Summary:

A viral image circulating on social media claims to show a Hindu Sadhvi marrying a Muslim man; however, this claim is false. A thorough investigation by the Cyberpeace Research team found that the image has been digitally manipulated. The original photo, which was posted by Balmukund Acharya, a BJP MLA from Jaipur, on his official Facebook account in December 2023, he was posing with a Muslim man in his election office. The man wearing the Muslim skullcap is featured in several other photos on Acharya's Instagram account, where he expressed gratitude for the support from the Muslim community. Thus, the claimed image of a marriage between a Hindu Sadhvi and a Muslim man is digitally altered.

Claims:

An image circulating on social media claims to show a Hindu Sadhvi marrying a Muslim man.

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Fact Check:

Upon receiving the posts, we reverse searched the image to find any credible sources. We found a photo posted by Balmukund Acharya Hathoj Dham on his facebook page on 6 December 2023.

This photo is digitally altered and posted on social media to mislead. We also found several different photos with the skullcap man where he was featured.

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We also checked for any AI fabrication in the viral image. We checked using a detection tool named, “content@scale” AI Image detection. This tool found the image to be 95% AI Manipulated.

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We also checked with another detection tool for further validation named, “isitai” image detection tool. It found the image to be 38.50% of AI content, which concludes to the fact that the image is manipulated and doesn’t support the claim made. Hence, the viral image is fake and misleading.

Conclusion:

The lack of credible source and the detection of AI manipulation in the image explains that the viral image claiming to show a Hindu Sadhvi marrying a Muslim man is false. It has been digitally altered. The original image features BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya posing with a Muslim man, and there is no evidence of the claimed marriage.

Claim: An image circulating on social media claims to show a Hindu Sadhvi marrying a Muslim man.
Claimed on: X (Formerly known as Twitter)
Fact Check: Fake & Misleading

PUBLISHED ON

Jul 2, 2024

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Introduction

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However, amidst this digital age, where the conveniences offered are manifold, there also lurks the shadow of deceit. Cybercriminals are finding innovative ways to entrap innocent individuals. Fraudulent activities are on the rise, with wrongdoers operating fake websites that promise secure bookings for cottages, tents, and other accommodations for the Mahakumbh event. Like the deceptive mirage that the desert traveller may mistakenly believe to be an oasis, these malicious sites lure pilgrims with the false hope of easy arrangements, only to exploit their trust and commit malicious cyber fraudulent activities.

Policy and Preventive Measures Taken by Government

This year, the government has taken steps to utilise digitalisation services to enhance the experience of devotees, blending innovation with tradition. However, considering the rise in cyber scams, a dedicated cyber police station has also been established at Maha Kumbh 2025 to address threats such as the misuse of AI, the dark web, and social media platforms. This initiative aims to protect devotees from potential scams.

To strengthen safety measures, a special team of selected officers from across the state has been deployed in Mahakumbh Nagar, Prayagraj, to provide cybersecurity and ensure the safety of pilgrims. A dedicated cyber police station or digital police station will ensure round-the-clock monitoring of cyberspace.

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The cybersecurity team has already identified 44 suspicious websites and initiated action against them. To further safeguard devotees attending Maha Kumbh 2025, a large-scale awareness campaign is being conducted to educate users about potential cyber threats.

The Role of Digital Discipline in Navigating the Uncharted Waters of the Internet

As the Yajurveda (ancient Vedic scriptures of Hinduism) reminds us ‘सत्यं चानृतं च सत्यं अभवत्, यदेतत् तपसा तप्यताम्।’. This learning translates into English as "Truth and falsehood are both present, yet truth is purified through intense discipline”. The Mahakumbh is a confluence not just of rivers but of faith and humanity's eternal quest for truth (Satyam). In the digital age, this vigilance extends to protecting ourselves from cyber frauds and scams that exploit the sanctity of occasions like the Mahakumbh. Just as devotees seek purity through holy rituals, we must also embrace Digital Discipline to navigate the confluence of tradition and technology safely.

Here are some Digital Discipline best practices you must follow:

Be cautious of fake websites, fraudulent travel agencies, and scam bookings. Always verify legitimacy before engaging in any transactions.
Stay alert for fake donation requests and only contribute to verified organizations.
Be aware of any mis/disinformation and implausible claims surrounding the Mahakumbh event and verify it from authenticated sources. The official website of Mahakumbh is https://kumbh.gov.in.
To report any cybercrime or issue, you can report it on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/, equipped with a 24x7 helpline 1930 that serves as a powerful resource available to the victims of cybercrimes to report their cases.

Conclusion

Netizens worldwide must prioritise Digital Discipline to ensure they are safeguarded from the snares of these cyber miscreants, so that they may safely and joyfully embark on their journey to the Maha Kumbh and receive divine blessings and purity of purpose through the experience.

References

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Introduction

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Enhancing Cybersecurity is the Need of the Hour:

The recent launch of the Law Enforcement CISO Council in Hyderabad, India emphasized the need for government organizations and industries to prioritize the protection of their digital space. Cyber incidents, ransomware attacks, and threats to critical infrastructure have been on the rise, making it essential to take proactive cybersecurity measures. Disturbing statistics regarding cyber threats, such as password-based attacks, BEC (Business Email Compromise) attempts, and vulnerabilities in the supply chain, highlight the importance of addressing these issues urgently. This initiative aims to provide real-time threat intelligence, legal guidance, and encourages collaboration between public and private organizations in order to combat cybercrime. Given that every cyber attack has criminal elements, the establishment of these councils is a crucial step towards minimizing vulnerabilities, enhancing resilience, and ensuring the security of our digital world.

International Issue & Domestic Issue:

The announcement by the Telangana State Police, is a proactive step to form a first-of-its-kind Law Enforcement CISO Council (LECC), as part of an initiative from the State government to give a further impetus to cyber security. Jointly with its law enforcement partners, the Telangana Police has decided to make cyber cops more efficient and shape them on par with the technology advancements. The Telangana police have proved its commitment for a secure cyber environment by recovering INR 2.2 crore and INR 6.8 crore lost by people in cyber frauds which is industry’s highest rate of helping the victims.

The Police department complemented efforts by corporate executives for their personal interest in the subject and mentioned police officers’ expertise and inputs from professionals from the industry need to work cohesively to prevent further increase in the number of cyber crime cases. Data indicates that the exponential increase in cyber threats in recent times necessitates an informed and prudent action with the cooperation and collaboration of the IT Department of Telangana, centers of excellence, start-ups, white hats or ethical hackers, and international associations.

A report from Telangana commissioner states the trend of a surge in the number of cyber incidents and vulnerabilities of Government organizations, Critical Infrastructure and MSMEs and stressed that every cyber security breaches have an element of criminality in it. The Law Enforcement CISO Council is a progressive step in this direction which ensures a reduced cyber attacks, enhanced resilience, actionable strategic and tactical real-time threat intelligence, legal guidance, opportunities for public private partnerships, networking, learning and much more.

The Secretary of SCSC, shared some alarming statistics on the threats that are currently rampant across the digital world. To combat it in today’s era of widespread digital dependence, the program launched by the Telangana Police stands as a commendable step or an initiative that offers a glimmer of aspiration. It brings together all the heroes who want to protect the digital spaces and counter the growing number of threats.

Contribution of Telangana Police for carving a niche to be followed:

The launch of the Law Enforcement CISO Council in Telangana represents a pivotal step in addressing the pressing challenges posed by escalating cyber threats. As highlighted by the Director General of Police, the initiative recognizes the critical need to combat cybercrime, which is growing at an alarming rate. The Council not only acknowledges the casual approach often taken towards cybersecurity but also aims to rectify it by fostering collaboration between law enforcement, industry, and academia.

One of the most significant positive aspects of this initiative is its commitment to sharing intelligence, ensuring that the hard-earned lessons from cyber fraud victims are translated into protective measures for others. By collaborating with the IT Department of Telangana, centers of excellence, startups, and ethical hackers, the Council is poised to develop robust Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) and innovative tools to counter cyber threats effectively.

Moreover, the Council's emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) underscores its proactive approach in dealing with the evolving landscape of cyber threats. It offers a platform for networking and learning, enabling information sharing, and will contribute to reducing the attack surface, enhancing resilience, and providing real-time threat intelligence. Additionally, the Council will provide legal and regulatory guidance, which is crucial in navigating the complex realm of cybercrime. This collective effort represents a promising way forward in safeguarding digital spaces, critical infrastructure, and industries against cyber threats and ensuring a safer digital future for all.

‍Conclusion:

The Law Enforcement CISO Council in Telangana is an innovative effort to strengthen cybersecurity in the state. With the rise in cybercrimes and vulnerabilities, the council brings together expertise from various sectors to establish a strong defense against digital threats. Its goals include reducing vulnerabilities, improving resilience, and ensuring timely threat intelligence. Additionally, the council provides guidance on legal and regulatory matters, promotes collaborations between the public and private sectors, and creates opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing. Through these important initiatives, the CISO Council will play a crucial role in establishing digital security and protecting the state from cyber threats.

References:

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#FactCheck - False Claim of Hindu Sadhvi Marrying Muslim Man Debunked

Executive Summary:

Claims:

Fact Check:

Conclusion:

Related Blogs

Executive Summary:

Claims:

Fact Check:

Conclusion:

Introduction

Enhancing Cybersecurity is the Need of the Hour:

International Issue & Domestic Issue:

Contribution of Telangana Police for carving a niche to be followed:

‍Conclusion:

References:

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