#FactCheck
Executive Summary
A collage of two images circulating on social media is falsely claiming that the street vendor who served jhalmuri to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election campaign in Jhargram was actually a personnel from the Special Protection Group (SPG). Research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false and misleading, indicating that it is being shared as part of election-related misinformation. The vendor and the SPG personnel seen in the viral collage are two different individuals.
Claim
An X (formerly Twitter) user, “@Jeetuburdak,” shared the viral collage on April 21, 2026, with the caption: “Another scam! The jhalmuri seller turned out to be an SPG commando.” The post quickly gained traction online.
Fact Check
A close examination of the two images used in the collage shows clear visual differences between the individuals. The person seen in SPG uniform does not match the street vendor who served food to the prime minister. Reverse image searches were conducted using multiple tools to trace the origin of the images. While no verifiable source was found linking the SPG personnel’s image to the vendor, several credible reports and videos featured the actual jhalmuri seller from the campaign event.
- https://x.com/ANI/status/2045859146508177911?s=20
- https://news24online.com/cities/kolkata/who-is-the-man-that-served-jhalmuri-to-pm-modi-know-his-daily-income-and-what-he-talked-about-with-pm/811123/
According to media reports, the prime minister briefly stopped at a roadside stall during the campaign in Jhargram and interacted with the vendor while enjoying jhalmuri. The vendor was later interviewed by multiple outlets, further confirming his identity as a local seller. Additionally, technical facial comparison analysis using online tools also indicated that the two individuals in the viral collage are not the same person.
Conclusion
The claim that the jhalmuri vendor was an SPG commando is false and misleading. The viral collage shows two different individuals, and there is no evidence to support the allegation.
Executive Summary
Despite a truce announced in mid-April, sporadic violence has continued between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, a video circulating widely on social media shows a multi-storey building engulfed in flames, with users falsely linking it to the ongoing conflict. Posts sharing the clip claim it depicts a Hezbollah strike on an Israeli military headquarters, alleging that several soldiers were killed and that Israel is censoring visuals from the incident. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be misleading. The video is unrelated to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Verification shows that the footage actually captures a fire at an apartment building in New York City. Firefighters can be seen at the scene attempting to control the blaze.
Claim
A Facebook post shared on April 16, 2026, read: “Breaking news; Hezbollah targeted an Israeli military headquarters; many Israeli soldiers lost their lives at the scene… Israel is censoring these images.” The video has garnered more than 240,000 views.
- https://perma.cc/BQ6X-4LAT
- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1283830349750737
Fact Check
A reverse image search using keyframes from the viral clip led to a higher-quality version posted on April 12, 2026, by an Instagram account titled “FDNY response video.” The caption stated: “Happening now — Major 3 alarm fire on 22nd Street and 7th Avenue at 216 7th Avenue.”
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DXB0ePqjgGD/
Further verification found that images of the same incident were shared on April 13, 2026, by the official X account of the New York City Fire Department. According to the post, no civilians were injured in the fire, although two firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze.
Using the location details mentioned in the posts, visible structures in the video were matched with Google Maps street imagery, confirming that the footage was indeed filmed in New York City.
Conclusion
The research establishes that the viral video is being shared with a false claim. It does not show any attack on an Israeli military facility but rather a residential building fire in New York City.
Executive Summary
A claim circulating on social media alleges that India refused to unload crude oil from two Iranian tankers following a call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after the US announced fresh restrictions on Iranian oil exports. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be misleading. The probe revealed that two supertankers carrying Iranian crude are currently anchored off India’s western and eastern coasts. No credible evidence or reports suggest that India refused to unload the cargo or sent the vessels back.
Claim
A user on X claimed that India returned 2 million barrels of Iranian crude oil after a phone call from Donald Trump. According to the post, India had already paid for the oil and the tanker was en route, but following the call with Narendra Modi, authorities refused to unload the shipment and sent the tanker back to Iran.
Fact Check
No credible national or international media reports were found to support the claim that India refused to accept Iranian oil or returned the tankers. Given the global scrutiny on oil shipments amid tensions in West Asia, any such development would have drawn widespread coverage. According to Reuters, two large crude carriers loaded with Iranian oil reached Indian ports on April 13. The Iran-flagged Felicity arrived near Sikka port in Gujarat, while the Curacao-flagged Jaya reached Paradip port in Odisha. The report noted that this marked the first purchase of Iranian oil by Indian refiners since 2019.
Further, The Times of India reported that Felicity, owned by the National Iranian Tanker Company, anchored off Sikka on April 12 carrying around 2 million barrels of crude loaded from Kharg Island in mid-March. The second tanker, Jaya, also anchored near Paradip around the same time, having departed with a similar volume of crude in late February. While the buyers of these cargoes have not been officially disclosed, Paradip port is primarily used by Indian Oil Corporation, while Sikka port is used by Reliance Industries and Bharat Petroleum Corporation.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false and misleading. Available evidence shows that the Iranian oil tankers are stationed near Indian ports, and there is no confirmation that India refused to unload the cargo or sent the vessels back.
Executive Summary
A video circulating on social media claims that Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan described US leaders as “toothless rulers” and said that US President Donald Trump cannot disobey Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The clip is being widely shared as a recent statement. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be misleading. A review of the full interview revealed that Chauhan was speaking about the need for India to prepare for the next phase of ‘Operation Sindoor’. He emphasised that the armed forces must move beyond past operations and gear up for future challenges.
Claim
Social media users have shared the video claiming that CDS Anil Chauhan referred to US leaders as “toothless rulers” and stated that Donald Trump cannot act against the wishes of Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Link: https://x.com/InsiderWB/status/2046263000928330130
- Archive: https://archive.ph/j8CeL
Fact Check
A detailed keyword search using terms such as “CDS Anil Chauhan, Donald Trump, JD Vance, Pakistan” did not yield any credible reports or verified statements supporting the viral claim. A reverse image search of keyframes from the clip traced it back to a post shared by India Today on April 18, 2026, where the same visuals and setting were used.
https://x.com/IndiaToday/status/2045531069647327240
In the original interview, Chauhan focused on military preparedness and the future course of ‘Operation Sindoor’. He did not make any remarks about US leadership, Donald Trump, or Benjamin Netanyahu. The complete version of the interaction, also aired on Aaj Tak, was reviewed in full and similarly contains no such controversial or political statements.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. The video has been edited or taken out of context to falsely attribute remarks to CDS Anil Chauhan that he never made. In reality, his statements were limited to India’s military preparedness and did not include any comments on US or Israeli leadership.
Executive Summary
A video showing two men attempting to break into a house, only to be confronted by armed personnel who force them to kneel, is being widely shared on social media in the context of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. The clip is being circulated with claims that it shows Central Reserve Police Force personnel intervening after workers of the Trinamool Congress allegedly tried to intimidate locals. However, an research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is false. The viral video has no connection to India or the West Bengal elections and is being shared with a misleading narrative.
Claim
A Facebook user named Devashish Ajitkumar Bhattacharya shared the video on April 20, 2026, with the caption suggesting that TMC workers attempted to threaten people but were stopped by CRPF personnel deployed in West Bengal.
- Archive link: https://perma.cc/R42V-49FV
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to the same video uploaded on August 17, 2024, on the official YouTube channel of Bangladeshi news outlet Dhaka Post. The details accompanying the video confirmed that the incident took place in Bangladesh.
Further research led us to a report published on August 17, 2024, by 24 Hours Khobor, which stated that the incident occurred in Faridpur, Bangladesh. According to the report, a clash broke out between two groups, following which the army intervened and arrested two individuals identified as Tutul Hossain and Dukhu Mia. Both were later sent to jail by a court.
Conclusion
The viral claim linking the video to the West Bengal Assembly elections is false. The footage does not show any incident involving CRPF personnel or political workers in India. Instead, it is from an unrelated घटना in Bangladesh that took place in 2024. The video has been taken out of context and is being circulated with a misleading narrative to create confusion around the ongoing election environment.
Executive Summary
A video showing armed personnel detaining individuals on board a ship is being widely shared on social media with the claim that Indian Navy’s MARCOS captured 35 Somali pirates during a recent anti-piracy operation. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is actually from the joint military exercise ‘LAMITIYE 2026’, held in Seychelles in March, involving the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
Claim
Users on X (formerly Twitter) shared the clip with captions such as: “Indian Navy MARCOS captured 35 Somali pirates,” presenting it as footage of a recent anti-piracy mission.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to the same video posted on March 20 by a Facebook page named “Defence Squad.” The caption identified the visuals as showing Indian Navy MARCOS and the Seychelles Defence Forces’ Special Operations Unit during the joint military exercise LAMITIYE 2026.
Link:
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1263962865936234
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1263962865936234
Further keyword searches led to multiple news reports carrying screenshots from the same video. These reports confirmed that the 11th India-Seychelles joint military exercise, LAMITIYE 2026, was conducted in Seychelles from March 9 to March 20.
We did not find any recent reports about the Indian Navy capturing Somali pirates. However, in March 2024, the Indian Navy had captured 35 Somali pirates who had hijacked a bulk carrier and taken hostages. The suspects were later handed over to Mumbai Police for legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. The video being circulated as footage of an anti-piracy operation by the Indian Navy does not show the capture of Somali pirates. Instead, it is from the India-Seychelles joint military exercise ‘LAMITIYE 2026’, conducted in March with the participation of the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces. While the Indian Navy had indeed captured 35 Somali pirates in a separate incident in March 2024, there are no credible or recent reports linking such an operation to the viral video. The clip has been taken out of context and is being shared with a false narrative, leading to misinformation about a routine military exercise.
Executive Summary
Muslims offering prayers inside a crowded train in Japan is being widely shared on social media, amid ongoing discussions around the country’s alleged rise in anti-immigration sentiment. The clip is being presented as a recent and real incident. However, an research reveals that the video is not authentic. Experts noted that the prayer postures shown in the clip do not align with standard Islamic practices, raising doubts about its credibility. Further analysis indicates that the video has been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Claim
A user shared the viral video on YouTube, showing a group of men—mostly dressed in long tunics and skullcaps—appearing to offer prayers inside a moving subway train. Passengers can be seen seated on both sides of the carriage. In the clip, two men are kneeling on the floor and bowing their heads onto a small mat placed in front of them, with their heads coming very close to the knees of seated passengers. Another man is seen bending forward at the waist while standing, and a fourth appears to be standing upright with his eyes closed.
- Link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cZHMCUgbDIA
,
Fact Check
A closer examination of the video reveals several visual inconsistencies. One passenger appears to be fused with the seat rails, creating a distorted overlap. Others seem to be seated in areas where seats do not normally exist, such as directly in front of a door. Additionally, an advertisement visible in the background appears blurred and oddly shaped—another common indicator of AI-generated content. An analysis conducted using the Hive Moderation tool found that the video is “likely to contain AI-generated or deepfake content.”
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. The video does not depict a real incident in Japan. Instead, it is likely AI-generated content being circulated with a false narrative, misrepresenting both the context and religious practices shown in the clip.
Executive Summary
A video showing a woman giving a facial massage to an elderly man with a white beard is going viral on social media, with users claiming that the man is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some posts describe it as a “leaked massage video” of the Prime Minister, while others sarcastically link it to the glow on his face. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is false. The viral video has no connection to Narendra Modi and is being shared with a misleading narrative.
Claim
An X user named Sonu Singh shared the video with the caption: “Narendra Modi video leaked.”
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to the same video uploaded on April 12, 2026, on the Instagram and Facebook pages of content creator Pradeep Kaur Dhillon, where it was captioned “Massage time.”
Further checks revealed another similar video posted on March 28, 2026, on the same social media accounts, with the caption: “Stylish, Spa day for him… kyunki self-care sirf ladies layi nahi.”
During the research, we also found that the man seen in the video is Jaspal Singh, Dhillon’s partner, who frequently appears in her social media posts. According to publicly available profile details, the duo resides in New Jersey, USA, and originally belongs to Amritsar, Punjab, India.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false. The video does not show Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It features content creators Pradeep Kaur Dhillon and Jaspal Singh and is being circulated online with a false and misleading claim.
Executive Summary
Images showing collapsed buildings are being widely shared on social media following a powerful earthquake in Indonesia, with users claiming they depict the aftermath of the recent 7.4-magnitude quake. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be misleading. The viral images are not from the recent earthquake but from past tremors, and were published by major international news agencies in 2018, 2021 and 2022.
- https://perma.cc/6BTK-2V6T
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/1272067278357847%20no%20other%20snapshots%20from%20this%20url
Fact Check
The posts surfaced after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Kota Ternate in eastern Indonesia in the early hours of April 2, 2026, killing one person after a building collapse, as reported by international media.
To verify the authenticity of the images, we conducted reverse image and keyword searches on Google. The first image was found to be part of a wider photograph published by The Associated Press on January 15, 2021.
The third image was traced to Getty Images, which published it on October 2, 2018. According to its description, the image shows rubble and debris around a mosque in Palu, Central Sulawesi, following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake.
These findings confirm that the viral images are unrelated to the recent earthquake and have been taken from older incidents.
Conclusion
The viral claim is misleading. The images circulating online do not show the aftermath of the April 2026 earthquake in Indonesia. Instead, they are old visuals from previous earthquakes, reused with a false and misleading context.
Executive Summary
A video showing a helicopter engulfed in flames is being widely circulated on social media with the claim that it depicts an American Black Hawk helicopter shot down by Iran during the ongoing Middle East conflict. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The viral footage is old and dates back to February 2020, showing a helicopter shot down in Syria, not Iran.
Claim
A Facebook post shared from Nigeria on April 6, 2026, claimed: “The moment an American Black Hawk helicopter was struck by an Iranian heat-seeking missile.” The post, which has been shared over 100 times, includes a 50-second video showing a helicopter exploding mid-air and crashing to the ground.
Fact Check
On April 3, a US F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran, marking the first such incident since the start of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Two Black Hawk helicopter deployed for a search-and-rescue mission for the jet’s crew were also hit by Iranian fire but managed to return to base, despite some crew members being injured.
- http://abcnews.com/Politics/us-fighter-jet-iran-search-rescue-officials/story?id=131685787&utm_source=chatgpt.com
US President Donald Trump had earlier announced the recovery of a missing pilot, describing it as “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history.
”
However, the viral video being shared as evidence of the downing of a US aircraft predates these events. Using reverse image search on keyframes from the clip, we found a longer version published by Euronews on February 11, 2020. The Arabic title of the video translates to: “Syrian regime helicopter shot down in Idlib, two pilots killed.” Reports indicate that the incident occurred in Idlib, Syria, in February 2020, where a military helicopter was shot down and caught fire before crashing.
The incident was also covered by other international media outlets, including AFP, which distributed images and videos of the crash.
- https://www.afpforum.com/AFPForum/Search/ViewMedia.aspx?mui=1&hid=5DFA75509C25E3CDC3F24CA3B41C1A9A854C8AA3EB2BC1C64FCC0192F0506138
Conclusion
The viral claim is false. The footage does not show an American helicopter shot down by Iran. Instead, it is an old video from February 2020 depicting a helicopter crash in Syria, which is being shared with a misleading and unrelated narrative.
Executive Summary
A video clip bearing the logo of News18 is being widely shared on social media with the claim that a serving Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked in Delhi by an RSS-supporting mob for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.” The clip features an anchor allegedly explaining the motive behind the assault. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found the claim to be false. The viral video has been digitally manipulated, with its audio altered to include misleading information.
Claim
An X user (@Mohammad776157) shared a video clip from Network18 on April 13, claiming that a serving Indian Army brigadier and his son were attacked in Delhi by an RSS-supporting mob for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.”
- https://x.com/Mohammad776157/status/2043691737609347166?s=20
- https://archive.ph/5EpbJ
To verify the claim, we extracted multiple keyframes from the viral video using the InVid tool and conducted reverse image searches via Google Lens. The same clip was found circulating across several social media platforms with similar claims.
- https://www.facebook.com/reel/2397972117364665
- https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXE4FFdjcnq/
- https://archive.ph/hjG3b
- https://archive.ph/9IkTY
Fact Check
Since the video carried the News18 logo, we examined the outlet’s official social media handles. We found the original video on its X account, where the visuals matched the viral clip. However, a detailed analysis of the original footage showed that the anchor never stated that the brigadier and his son were attacked for criticising the government over “Operation Sindoor.”
In the authentic version, the anchor reported that the assault took place in Delhi’s Vasant Enclave after the brigadier objected to two individuals consuming alcohol inside a car parked outside his residence. This clearly indicates that the audio in the viral clip was tampered with to insert a false narrative.
For further verification, we extracted the audio segment from the viral clip and analysed it using Resemble AI. The tool indicated that the portion describing the motive behind the attack had been digitally manipulated.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false. The video has been altered by modifying its audio to mislead viewers. In reality, the assault was not related to “Operation Sindoor” but occurred after the brigadier objected to public drinking near his residence.
Executive Summary
A CCTV video showing a man being shot is being widely circulated on social media with the claim that it depicts the killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Amir Hamza in Pakistan. However, research by the CyberPeace Research Wing found that the claim is misleading. The viral video existed online even before the reported attack on Amir Hamza.
Claim
Social media users are sharing a CCTV clip claiming that Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Amir Hamza was shot dead in Pakistan.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we first searched relevant keywords such as “Maulana Amir Hamza firing Lahore.” This led us to a report published on April 17, 2026, by The Hindu. Citing Pakistani channel 24 News HD TV, the report stated that unidentified attackers opened fire on the car of TV host Justice Nazir Ahmed Ghazi. Amir Hamza was injured in the incident, not killed.
We also reviewed the official social media accounts of 24 News HD TV. A post on its X handle (@24NewsHD) confirmed that Justice Ghazi was safe, while Amir Hamza sustained injuries in the firing incident in Lahore.
For further verification, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and performed a reverse image search. The same clip was found uploaded on March 28, 2026, on a Pakistani Facebook page. According to the post, the CCTV footage was linked to the killing of an individual named Saifullah Malakhel.
Although we could not independently verify the exact origin of the video, our findings clearly indicate that the footage predates the recent attack on Amir Hamza and is unrelated to the incident.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false. Amir Hamza was not killed but reportedly injured in the firing incident, as per credible media reports. The CCTV video being shared in this context is old and unrelated, and has been circulated with a misleading narrative.
