#FactCheck- Brigadier Assault in Delhi Not Linked to Dance Club or Military Operation
Executive Summary
Misleading claims related to an incident in Delhi are being widely circulated on social media. Several posts allege that an Indian Army brigadier and his son were assaulted while returning from a “dance club party.” The posts further claim that the attack was triggered by remarks related to “Operation Sindoor.” However, research by the CyberPeace found that these claims are completely false and fabricated.
Claim
On social media platform X, some users (including @ManipurPost5) shared posts claiming that an Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked after returning from a dance club. The posts also alleged that the altercation escalated after someone mocked “Operation Sindoor.”
Fact check
To verify the claim, we conducted keyword searches on Google and found a report published by Republic World on April 14, 2026, which included visuals similar to those being circulated.
According to the report, the victims were identified as Brigadier Parminder Singh Arora, a serving Indian Army officer, and his son Tejas Arora. At the time of the incident, they were taking a walk near their residence after dinner. Reports state that they noticed a group of individuals consuming alcohol inside a parked car in a public place and objected to it. This led to an argument, which later escalated into a violent assault. Around 7–8 individuals allegedly attacked the brigadier and his son, with the son sustaining more serious injuries. Questions have also been raised about the role of police personnel present at the scene. Following the complaint, a case was registered, one police constable was suspended, and two accused individuals have been arrested so far. The vehicle involved has also been seized. Further verification led us to another report published by India Today on April 14, 2026, which corroborated the same details of the incident.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading and entirely false.The incident has no connection to any “dance club party” or to “Operation Sindoor.” In reality, the altercation began after the brigadier objected to public drinking near his residence.
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Introduction
After the tragic bomb blast at RedFort on November 10, 2025, there is a trail of misinformation and false narratives spread rapidly across social media platforms, messaging and news channels. It can not only unfold into a public misunderstanding but can also incite panic, communal tensions and endanger lives. To prevent all of these from happening, we, as responsible citizens, can play a critical role by verifying information before sharing it with friends, family, or colleagues. This article provides guidance on practical, evidence-based strategies to navigate the information landscape and protect yourself and your community from the harm caused by misinformation and disinformation.
Digital Scams in the Aftermath of the Blast
Cybercriminals increased their activity in the hours after the Red Fort explosion, using the country’s sorrow as a chance to take advantage of fear.
Numerous allegations surfaced of residents receiving threatening calls that falsely claimed they were “digitally arrested” or that their phones, bank accounts, or Aadhaar were being “seized for investigation”, accusing them of being involved in the explosion. These fictitious intimidation calls sent innocent people into worry, anxiety, and doubt spirals.
The pattern is common after major national crises:
- Fear rises.
- People seek urgent answers.
- Cybercriminals exploit the confusion.
Knowing this makes it easier for us to remain watchful. No law enforcement organisation uses phone conversations, WhatsApp communications, or threats of “digital detention” to make arrests or conduct investigations.
Verify breaking news from trusted official channels
Whenever a crisis like bomb blasts occurs, people look for information on social media, news channels, and YouTube channels to stay fully informed about the situation. This is a very chaotic moment, and due to the lack of government verification of the initial information, false news spread rapidly.
Where to seek verified information:
a. Press Information Bureau (PIB): The official government news agency that, from time to time, clarifies viral news.
b. Delhi Police Official Channels: Check social media handles of Delhi Police.
c. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): MHA is responsible for internal security, and gives information about this information through official press releases and notifications.
d. Major Credible news outlets: Some news channels can be trusted with news, as they typically verify information before publishing, like The Hindu, Indian Express.
What to do:
Cross-check every unverified social media post and news that you come across from credible news channels and official government press releases.
Verify Images and videos using reverse search tools
Recently, many social media handles have been sharing old photos of different bomb blasts from Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine in the name of the Red Fort blasts. While it can create a false narrative, the same should be verified before sharing.
Reliable fact-checking resources and how to use them.
Every country has dedicated fact-checking organisations that systematically verify viral claims.
Fact-checking organisations based in India:
a. PIB Fact Check (https://factcheck.pib.gov.in/ )
· It is the official fact-checking unit of the PIB, which focuses on demystifying government-related misinformation.
· email: socialmedia@pib.gov.in
· Telegram: http://t.me/PIB_FactCheck
· Follow it on: Twitter (@PIBFactCheck), Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and WhatsApp.
How to use these resources:
· Whenever you come across any viral post, use exact keywords or quotes to find those on these resources.
· Look for the verdict (true, false, misleading), then share the verified fact-checks with your network to debunk false narratives.
Practice Digital Hygiene and Be Cautious When Sharing
Digital hygiene refers to the practices and habits individuals adopt to maintain a healthy and secure digital lifestyle. Simple digital practices can restrict the spread of misinformation. A vigilant individual can reduce the spread of misinformation. It can be done by below steps
i. Check URLs and Links: We can verify the URLs and links of any news and websites using different tools to check the credibility of any news
ii. How to Evaluate the Trustworthiness of Sources:
· Verify if the account sharing the information has a blue checkmark on most platforms.
· Examine the account's background, whether it is a recognised media source, an official government profile, or a newly created anonymous account?
· Approach posts featuring intense emotional language ("URGENT!", "SHOCKING!", "MUST SHARE!") with scepticism.
· Refrain from posting screenshots of tweets or posts while providing a link to the source, allowing others to confirm its validity.
iii. Before You Distribute:
· Question yourself: "Am I certain this is accurate based on a reliable source?"
· Avoid the temptation to share breaking news immediately; hold off until it has been confirmed by government sources.
· If you're uncertain, include a comment such as "I haven't confirmed this yet; please consult reliable sources" instead of sharing unverified information.
· Reflect on the consequences, as it might lead to panic, provoke communal violence, or damage an individual's reputation
6. How to report misinformation to platforms and authorities?
While it is important to verify news before sharing it to prevent fake news, it is also important to report it to reduce misinformation and the violence caused due to it. On social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, WhatsApp, and Telegram, anyone can report the same on the platform.
Reporting to the Government Authorities:
a. PIB Fact Check WhatsApp (+91 8799711259):
Send Screenshots or texts of suspected government-related misinformation for verification, and then an automated acknowledgement is generated.
b. Delhi Police Cyber Crime Unit
Cyber Crimes such as Email Frauds, Social Media Crimes, Mobile App-related crimes, Business Email Compromise, Data Theft, Ransomware, Net Banking/ ATM Frauds and fake calls frauds, insurance frauds, lottery scam, bitcoin, cheating scams, online transactions frauds can be reported to the Delhi Police Cyber Crime Unit.
7. Quick checklist: What to do When You See Breaking News
· Wait before sharing any breaking news.
· Go through official channels like PIB and other official channels like MHA.
· If not available there, then cross-reference it from 2-3 credible news sources for the same information.
· Check timestamps and metadata, and compare metadata dates with claims about when events occurred.
· In case you find any information, news or any social media posts as misleading, then report the same.
CyberPeace Resolves: Pause. Reflect. Then Respond
Misinformation becomes the infection that spreads the fastest when people are confused and afraid. Every citizen is urged by CyberPeace to remain composed, stand tall, and not panic, particularly in times of national emergency.
Prior to experiencing an emotional response to any concerning call, message, or widely shared news:
Pause. Reflect. Acknowledge.
- Pause before sharing or responding.
- Reflect on whether the information is from a credible source.
- Acknowledge what you know—and what is just rumour.
CyberPeace is still dedicated to helping people and communities deal with online dangers, safeguard mental health, and dispel false information with clarity and truth.
Introduction
Cyberwarfare has evolved into one of the most decisive instruments of statecraft and conflict. The increasing digitisation of critical infrastructure like power grids, water systems, transportation systems, healthcare networks, and energy sources has made these systems new targets in the war of algorithms. Military logic is evolving to paralyse the nation’s critical infrastructure to keep its resources engaged in repairing them and thereby break the nation’s ability to deter and counter attacks, all without firing a single bullet.
From Ransomware to an Invisible Sabotage: The changing nature of warfare
The operational technology (OT) landscape has become the epicentre of cyber operations, all around the world. Once, which was insulated, related to industrial systems that controlled turbines, pipelines, or dams, they now stand connected to the Internet through supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and the Internet of Things. These connections have also become gateways for attackers, besides enhancing the efficiency of the infrastructural lifelines of the nation.
Groups like Volt Typhoon, Sandworm, Laurionite, and Cyberavengers have transformed the art of digital infiltration into a strategic shift. Volt Typhoon, which is linked to China, has used “living-off-the-land” techniques to exploit the legitimate administrative tools to remain invisible while scanning the critical infrastructures in the US. Sandworm, which is aligned with Russia’s GRU (Glavnoye Razvedyvatelnoye Upravlenie) or Main Intelligence Directorate (in English), has demonstrated the power of cyber sabotage in real time, as its attacks on Ukraine’s power grids in 2015 and 2021 had left millions in darkness, coinciding with kinetic missile strikes. Meanwhile, the Iranian-affiliated Cyberavengers group, which has weaponised the AI-assisted malware, such as IOCONTROL, that are capable of hijacking water and energy control systems. Each of these systems used in these operations reflects a shift from direct espionage activities to a state of strategic paralysis.
In comparison to the traditional cybercrime activities that are aimed at stealing data and extortion of money, these campaigns repeatedly target the physical systems, which consist of the machinery that sustains civilian life and military preparedness.
The Military Logic behind Cyber Targeting: A Web of Vulnerabilities
A critical infrastructure is a complex ecosystem that covers power generation, transportation, communication, and manufacturing are all interconnected, which means a single compromised node can cascade into a national paralysis. For instance, a breach in the systems of the dam can flood an entire city, a grid shutdown can halt water supply to hospitals, and even affect air traffic. The 2015 Black Energy Malware attack in Ukraine has proved this possibility when three utilities were hacked, plunging thousands of homes into darkness. The Iranian hackers once again gained access to the Bowman Avenue Dam of New York and controlled its floodgates, which gave a chilling demonstration of the destructive reality of digital manipulation.
The systems remain vulnerable mainly for 3 reasons such as-
- Legacy Architectures: Many of these industrial systems were designed decades ago with no built-in cybersecurity mechanisms.
- Slow Patching and Segmentation Gaps: All updates and segmentation between IT and TO networks often lag, providing open entry points for attackers.
- Converging with IoT: The integration of smart sensors and cloud-based management tools has expanded the attack surface exponentially.
This interconnected fragility has turned our critical infrastructures into both a weapon and a target or a tool for coercion in modern hybrid warfare. Between 2023 and 2024, over 420 cyberattacks were witnessed in several critical global infrastructures, which averaged to 13 attacks per second, according to a news report. These were not just random acts of digital vandalism; they were deliberate and coordinated operational attempts by state-led actors from China, Russia, and Iran.
Developing a new Resilience as the new tool of Deterrence
Cyber deterrence no longer rests on the fear of retaliation, it relies on the need for resilience. Nations that can absorb attacks, maintain continuity, and recover rapidly would be the true superpowers of this digital age. Segmentation, real-time threat detection, and AI-assisted recovery models are vital pillars of this model of resilience. The logic of modern cyberwarfare is clear, which means that the more a nation digitizes, the more it will need to defend itself.
However, as the line between war and peace blurs, safeguarding critical infrastructure is no longer just an IT priority; rather, it is a national security doctrine. In this silent theatre of cyberwarfare, survival will depend not only on firepower, but on firewalls.
References
- https://rmcglobal.com/critical-infrastructure-under-siege-the-top-ot-threats-of-2025/
- https://ccdcoe.org/uploads/2018/10/Geers2009_The-Cyber-Threat-to-National-Critical-Infrastructures.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335752979_Cybersecurity_of_Critical_Infrastructure
- https://arxiv.org/html/2510.04118v1
- https://www.anapaya.net/blog/top-5-critical-infrastructure-cyberattacks
Executive Summary:
A video is widely circulating on social media in which Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to praise India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The viral clip is being shared with the claim that during a speech delivered on February 25, 2026, Netanyahu announced a special aid package for Afghanistan at the request of PM Modi. However, research by CyberPeace found the claim to be false. The research revealed that the circulating video was generated using artificial intelligence. The probe also confirmed that Netanyahu did not make any announcement related to Afghanistan or the Taliban during the speech.
Claim
On March 1, 2026, a social media user shared the viral video on Facebook claiming that Netanyahu praised PM Modi and announced a special assistance package for Afghanistan following India’s request. The links to the post and its archive are provided below, along with a screenshot.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we first searched Google using relevant keywords. However, we did not find any credible media reports supporting the claim that Israel had announced such an aid package for Afghanistan. Next, we extracted key frames from the viral video and performed a reverse image search using Google Lens. During this process, we found the original video on the YouTube channel of VERTEX, which had been uploaded on February 25, 2026.
A detailed review of the original video revealed that the viral clip circulating on social media is not part of the original footage. This indicates that the circulating clip has been manipulated and shared with a misleading claim. In the original video, Netanyahu was addressing a special parliamentary session in Jerusalem, where he spoke about the growing trade, strategic cooperation, and strengthening diplomatic relations between India and Israel. He described the partnership between the two democracies as a significant and historic milestone in bilateral relations. Upon carefully listening to the viral clip, we noticed irregularities in the voice and tone, which raised suspicions that it might be AI-generated. We then analyzed the video using the AI detection tool TruthScan. The results indicated that the viral video has approximately a 75% probability of being AI-generated.
Conclusion
Our research found that the viral video was created using artificial intelligence. Moreover, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not make any announcement regarding Afghanistan or the Taliban during the speech being referenced. The claim circulating on social media is therefore false.
