Police Label Viral Claim as Fake, Urge Public to Verify Information
Punjab Police has issued a fact-check clarification after a video showing a chaotic nighttime crowd was circulated on social media with a false connection to Punjab. In an official social media post, the police stated that the video was neither recorded in Punjab nor did it originate from the state, describing the claim as false and misleading.
The fact-check graphic features stills from the viral footage stamped with “FAKE” and “FAKE NEWS”. The department has urged social media users to verify information before sharing it and avoid spreading rumours or misinformation.
Video Shows Crowds Amid a Chaotic Nighttime Scene
The footage shows a large gathering at night, with people moving through a crowded area as the situation becomes chaotic. Reports about similar footage have linked it to a protest gathering in Delhi involving Nihang Sikhs and political protesters, where traditional stick-wielding stunts reportedly caused some people in the crowd to move away.
However, viral videos can be circulated with misleading captions that remove their original location and context. Punjab Police’s clarification rejects the claim that the footage originated in the state.
Police Appeal Against Fake News
The official post carries the hashtags #FakeNews, #FakeDiKhairNahi and #Alert, reinforcing the department’s warning against misinformation. The police have appealed to users to check the authenticity and source of viral content before forwarding it.
Verify Before Sharing
The clarification highlights the risks of presenting footage from one location as evidence of an incident elsewhere. Such claims can create confusion and spread unverified narratives about public order.
Punjab Police has not specified the video’s original location in the fact-check graphic itself. Its central message, however, is clear: the footage should not be linked to Punjab without evidence. Social media users are encouraged to rely on verified information and refrain from circulating misleading claims.