#FactCheck - Old Video of Yogi Adityanath Edited to Push ‘Next PM 2029’ Claim

Introduction

The Government of India has initiated a cybercrime crackdown that has resulted in the blocking of 781,000 SIM cards and 208,469 IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers that are associated with digital fraud as of February 2025. This data was released as a written response by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, with respect to a query presented in the Lok Sabha. A significant jump from the 669,000 SIM cards blocked in the past year, efforts aimed at combating digital fraud are in full swing, considering the increasing cases. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is proactively blocking other platform accounts found suspicious, such as WhatsApp Accounts (83,668) and Skype IDs (3,962) on its part, aiding in eliminating identified threat actors.

Increasing Digital Fraud And The Current Combative Measures

According to the data tabled by the Ministry of Finance in the Rajya Sabha, the first 10 months of the Financial year 2024-2025 have recorded around 2.4 million incidents covering an amount of Rs. 4,245 crore involving cases of digital Financial Fraud cases. Apart from the evident financial loss, such incidents also take an emotional toll as people are targeted regardless of their background and age, leaving everyone equally vulnerable. To address this growing problem, various government departments have dedicated measures to combat and reduce such incidents. Some of the notable initiatives/steps are as follows:

• The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System- This includes reporting Cybercrimes through the nationwide toll-free (1930) number and registration on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. On being a victim of digital fraud, one can call the toll-free number, describing details of the incident, which would further help in the investigation. After reporting the incident, the complainant receives a generated login ID/acknowledgement number that they can use for further reference.
• International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System- This is a mechanism developed to counter fraudulent calls that appear to originate from within India but are actually made from international locations. This system prevents the misuse of the Calling Line Identity (CLI), which is manipulated to deceive recipients in order to carry out financial crimes like digital arrests, among other things. Coordinating with the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), private telecommunication service providers (TSPs) are being encouraged to check with their ILD (International Long-Distance) network as a measure. Airtel has recently started categorising such numbers as International numbers on their part.
• Chakshu Facility at Sanchar Saathi platform- A citizen-centric initiative, created by the Department of Telecommunications, to empower mobile subscribers. It focuses on reporting unsolicited commercial communication (spam messages) and reporting suspected fraudulent communication. (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/). 
• Aadhaar-based verification of SIM cards- A directive issued by the Prime Minister's Office to the Department of Telecommunications mandates an Aadhaar-based biometric verification for the issuance of new SIM cards. This has been done so in an effort to prevent fraud and cybercrime through mobile connections obtained using fake documents. Legal action against non-compliant retailers in the form of FIRs is also being taken.

On the part of the public, awareness of the following steps could encourage them on how to deal with such situations:

• Awareness regarding types of crimes and the tell-tale signs of the modus operandi of a criminal: A general awareness and a cautionary approach to how such crimes take place could help better prepare and respond to such malicious scams. Some important signs on the part of the offender include pressuring the victim into immediate action, insistence on video calls, and the threat of arrest in case of non-compliance. It is also important to note that no official authority, in any legal capacity, allows for enabling a digital/online arrest.
• Knowing the support channels: Awareness regarding reporting mechanisms and cyber safety hygiene tips can help in building cyber resilience amongst netizens. 

Conclusion

As cybercrooks continue to find new ways of duping people of their hard-earned money, both government and netizens must make efforts to combat such crimes and increase awareness on both ends (systematic and public). Increasing developments in AI, deepfakes, and other technology often render the public inept at assessing the veracity of the source, making them susceptible to such crime. A cautionary yet proactive approach is need of the hour. 

References

• https://mobileidworld.com/india-blocks-781000-sim-cards-in-major-cybercrime-crackdown/
• https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/over-83k-whatsapp-accounts-used-for-digital-arrest-blocked-home-ministry-60292.htm
• https://www.business-standard.com/finance/news/digital-financial-frauds-touch-rs-4-245-crore-in-the-apr-jan-period-of-fy25-125032001214_1.html
• https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/govt-blocked-781k-sims-3k-skype-ids-83k-whatsapp-accounts-till-feb-125032500965_1.html
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2042130
• https://mobileidworld.com/india-mandates-aadhaar-biometric-verification-for-new-sim-cards-to-combat-fraud/ 
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2067113 

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The digital ecosystem of India has experienced rapid growth, which has created numerous opportunities for economic development, better governance and increased social connections. The increasing use of digital technology has resulted in a higher incidence of cyber-enabled crimes, which include online fraud and cyber harassment, child exploitation and the spread of misinformation. The Government of India has established multiple initiatives to enhance a complete and unified framework that will help in combatting cybercrime more effectively. The latest updates presented to Parliament demonstrate how different institutional frameworks and legal provisions, capacity building efforts, and public awareness programs work together to handle new cyber threats.

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A Coordinated Institutional Framework

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The Indian system for investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes assigns responsibility to States and Union Territories, which operate their own Law Enforcement Agencies. The central government established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to support these operations through its Ministry of Home Affairs. 

The I4C functions as a central hub that allows various stakeholders in cybercrime prevention and investigation to share intelligence and build their operational capacities. The initiative establishes a cybersecurity system that will improve its organisational structure through better central and state agency collaboration.

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) serves as a primary project of this framework by providing online cyber incident reporting for citizens. The portal enables users to register complaints more efficiently while enhancing access to crime reporting, which particularly benefits victims of crimes against women and children. The system offers special channels which allow users to report Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) and rape-related materials while providing options for anonymous reporting and case tracking. After a complaint is lodged, the appropriate state authorities initiate the process to investigate the matter and proceed with legal procedures.

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Capacity Building and Cyber Forensics

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The response to cybercrime requires both expert investigators and advanced forensic technology systems. The Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme, which provides financial backing and technical training to states and union territories, was instituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address this requirement. 

The scheme has authorised the release of ₹132.93 crore for developing cyber forensic facilities and investigative technologies. The funding has supported the establishment of cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories across multiple states and union territories. The total number of operational laboratories has reached 33 at this time. 

The organisation has prioritised its training initiatives together with its infrastructure development projects. More than 24,600 law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and judicial officers have received training on cybercrime investigation, digital evidence handling, and forensic analysis. The capacity-building initiatives were designed to provide investigators and judicial authorities with essential skills needed to handle advanced cyber incidents.

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International Cooperation for Child Protection

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International cooperation is essential for addressing online child exploitation because these crimes utilise digital networks that connect multiple countries. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) established a partnership with the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) of the United States in 2019 through a Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to enhance regional collaboration in this field. 

The partnership enables the sharing of tipline reports about online child exploitation, which Indian authorities use for their investigative work. Under the Information Technology Act provisions, NCRB has received official powers to issue removal notices to intermediaries because they oversee child sexual abuse material and other dangerous content.

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Promoting Online Safety Awareness

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Cybercrime prevention requires two essential elements, which are public knowledge and digital expertise. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has developed several resources to educate children, parents, teachers, and school administrators about online safety. The guidelines include Being Safe Online, together with school safety manuals that protect against cyberbullying and the 2024 updates, which provide new recommendations for cyberbullying prevention. The commission has established multiple conferences and training sessions throughout various states to educate both educators and school administrators about child protection regulations and school security measures, and cyber protection standards.

The digital responsibility programs educate communities about proper online conduct and teach them how to recognise and handle cybersecurity threats.

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Legal Framework for Digital Safety

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The Information Technology Act of 2000, together with the Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules of 2021, (Updated as of 2026)  serve as the core legal foundation through which India combats cybercrime. The laws establish penalties for online distribution of obscene and sexually explicit material while requiring digital intermediaries to block access to illegal content. 

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 contains additional legal provisions that deal with two types of offences that involve disseminating obscene material and spreading dangerous misinformation. 

The regulatory framework requires intermediaries to eliminate illegal content within specified timeframes, while they must prevent their platforms from being used to conduct dangerous or unlawful activities.

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Conclusion

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India establishes its cybercrime response strategy through a multi-layered method that uses different institutional systems, technological systems, legal systems, and public education programs. Cyber threats develop through technological progress, yet authorities must establish effective cybersecurity, which depends on their ability to investigate, their systems for reporting incidents, and their dedication to maintaining proper online conduct. 

India needs continuous cooperation among government bodies, police forces, technology companies, and community organisations to maintain secure and strong digital networks that provide equal access to all citizens.

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References 

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• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2238260&reg=3&lang=2
• https://www.policyedge.in/p/rajya-sabha-strengthening-indias-coordinated-response-to-cyber-crimes

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Introduction

Imagine spending two years , 730 days of early mornings, missed social events, and relentless mock tests  preparing for a single examination. Now imagine that on the morning of that exam, your phone buzzes with a forwarded video claiming the question paper has already leaked. Your heart sinks. You do not know whether to trust it or ignore it. You have about forty minutes before you must enter the hall. This was the reality for a section of the 22 lakh students who sat for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21, 2026, when a fabricated video alleging a paper leak on Telegram began circulating across WhatsApp groups and X within hours of the exam commencing. The National Testing Agency (NTA) swiftly and categorically denied the claims, activated the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), and appealed to the public not to amplify unverified content. The examination concluded without incident. But the episode laid bare a challenge that no security perimeter or surveillance camera can fully address: the weaponisation of misinformation against India's high-stakes examination ecosystem.

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The Anatomy of Examination Misinformation

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Why Examinations Are a Prime Target

India's national examinations are uniquely fertile ground for misinformation. With over 22 lakh candidates registered for NEET UG 2026 alone, the audience is vast, anxious, and hungry for any update  verified or otherwise. Research by MIT has found that false stories spread six times faster than accurate ones on social media, and are seventy percent more likely to be reshared. In India, where over 535 million people use WhatsApp and studies show that most users tend to trust messages forwarded by family and friends, the conditions for viral misinformation are near-ideal. According to a 2020 Microsoft survey, 52 percent of Indian respondents encountered misinformation at least once a day, the highest rate globally.

What makes examination-related misinformation especially dangerous is its timing. Fabricated content is almost always released on examination day itself, the precise moment when candidates are most emotionally vulnerable, official channels are stretched thin, and the window for effective rebuttal is narrowest. The NEET UG 2026 fake video, circulated on Telegram and amplified across closed WhatsApp groups, fits this pattern precisely. It was engineered not to inform, but to destabilise.

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A History That Sharpens the Anxiety

This misinformation did not emerge in a vacuum. The shadow of the 2024 NEET UG controversy  in which the Supreme Court of India confirmed that at least 155 students had directly benefited from a genuine paper leak, and which triggered nationwide protests, CBI investigations, and a parliamentary uproar — still looms large. Students and parents conditioned by that experience are primed to believe the worst, even when claims are entirely false. In 2026, that residual anxiety became the very vulnerability that bad actors sought to exploit. The government's response which included temporarily restricting access to Telegram in the lead-up to the re-examination  underscored just how seriously the threat of examination misinformation is now being taken at the highest levels.

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The NTA's Response: Why It Matters

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1. Speed and Transparency as Governance Tools: In crisis communication, the first credible voice usually wins. The NTA's near-immediate public denial posted on official social media handles and amplified by the Press Information Bureau's PIB Fact Check unit was a meaningful departure from the delayed, defensive responses that characterised earlier examination controversies. By directly labelling the video "FAKE" in capital letters, describing its creation as "a serious offence," and simultaneously appealing to students to rely only on official sources at neet.nta.nic.in, the NTA left little room for the false narrative to consolidate. NTA Director General Abhishek Singh went further, publicly stating that the agency was "100 per cent confident" in the integrity of the process and that no complaints of a genuine paper leak had been received. This matters beyond crisis management. Public trust in examination systems is not rebuilt through official statements alone , it is rebuilt through the consistent, transparent exercise of institutional authority. A swift, fact-based rebuttal, deployed before rumour hardens into public belief, is as much a governance act as it is a communications strategy.

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2. Cybercrime Coordination as a Structural Shift: Perhaps the most significant development in the NTA's response was its coordination with I4C and law enforcement agencies to trace the origin of the fabricated video. This signals a structural evolution: examination misinformation is no longer being treated as an administrative inconvenience but as cybercrime with legal consequences under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The announcement that legal action would follow also carries a deterrent message to potential future actors — that the machinery of cybercrime enforcement will be activated, and that fabricating content to mislead examination candidates is a prosecutable offence.

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The Human and Institutional Cost

The costs of examination misinformation are neither abstract nor trivial. Mental health experts have warned that controversies surrounding national-level examinations can have serious long-term psychological consequences for aspirants. Dr. Mustafa Nadeem Kirmani of Amity University has noted that such crises increase the risk of students taking "extreme steps like suicide attempts, anger toward the system, and hopelessness," and can, in the long run, lead to clinical depression. In the wake of the 2026 paper leak controversy, multiple reports of student deaths by suicide were linked to the compounded pressures of exam cancellation and uncertainty a grim reminder of the real human stakes behind governance failures in this domain. For institutions, every viral misinformation episode generates an avoidable administrative crisis. Helplines are overwhelmed, examination centre staff face panicked queries, and senior officials are pulled into damage control rather than exam administration. The credibility of clarifications issued under pressure is itself questioned by a public already primed for suspicion. This administrative burden, multiplied across 5,440 examination centres in India and 14 abroad, represents a significant and entirely unnecessary cost.

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Building a Resilient Ecosystem: What Needs to Change

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1. Proactive Communication and Platform Coordination: Institutional credibility is built before a crisis, not during one. Examination bodies must invest in sustained pre-examination communication that educates candidates and parents about the existence of misinformation campaigns and tells them exactly where to look for verified updates. This means highly visible, verified social media presences with large followings, real-time update protocols, and formal escalation channels with platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, X, and YouTube to enable rapid takedown of false examination-related content. The IT Amendment Rules of 2023, which require significant social media intermediaries to act on government-flagged content, provide a legal basis for such coordination  but the operational infrastructure to activate it at speed must be built in advance, not improvised on the day.

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2. Fact-Checking Partnerships and Digital Literacy: Independent organisations such as BOOM Live, Alt News, and Vishvas News have proven their capacity to rapidly debunk examination misinformation. Formalising their role through a structured public-private partnership  where examination authorities share real-time verified information with empanelled fact-checkers  could close the window during which false content circulates unchallenged. Equally critical is investment in digital media literacy among students and parents. A 2018 survey found that nearly 45 percent of Indian respondents were unaware of any fact-checking organisations. Addressing this gap through school curricula, coaching networks, and the Ministry of Education's DIKSHA platform  is a preventive investment far less costly than repeated crisis management.

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Conclusion

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The NTA's handling of the NEET UG 2026 fake video was, by recent standards, exemplary. It was fast, transparent, authoritative, and backed by the activation of cybercrime enforcement. But a single well-managed episode does not constitute a resilient system. India runs some of the world's largest entrance examinations, and the stakes medical seats, livelihoods, and the aspirations of crores of young people are too high for crisis response alone to suffice. Combating examination misinformation requires permanent structural investment: dedicated rapid-response cells within examination bodies, formalised fact-checking pipelines, proactive platform coordination, and a sustained public education effort around digital verification. Protecting the integrity of India's examination ecosystem is not merely an administrative responsibility. It is a commitment to the millions of students who give everything they have to compete fairly and who deserve a system that protects them not only from cheating, but from the fear of it.

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References

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1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/131900261.cms
2. https://www.india.com/education/neet-ug-2026-re-exam-paper-leak-claim-goes-viral-nta-says-video-is-fake-and-false-fabricated-examination-conducted-successfully-8453620/
3. https://www.republicworld.com/education/neet-ug-re-exam-nta-says-paper-leak-video-fake-test-conducted-successfully-2026-06-22-129346
4. https://thefederal.com/category/education/neet-re-exam-paper-leak-admission-system-crisis-247410
5. https://www.outlookindia.com/healthcare-spotlight/beyond-the-paper-leak-emotional-trauma-among-neet-aspirants-raises-concern
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NEET_controversy
7. https://kaval.chat/blog/misinformation-scam-statistics-india-2026/
8. https://www.ijert.org/the-virality-gap-political-misinformation-and-the-information-crisis-in-india-s-digital-democracy-ijertv15is050041
9. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aap9559 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/digital-skills/digital-civility
10. https://www.meity.gov.in/content/information-technology-intermediary-guidelines-and-digital-media-ethics-code-amendment
11. https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1999 
12. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx 
13. https://www.careerindia.com/news/addressing-the-mental-health-crisis-sparked-by-net-and-neet-paper-leaked-in-india-041963.html
14. https://thediplomat.com/2025/03/indias-growing-misinformation-crisis-a-threat-to-democracy/

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