Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
The cold blooded killing of Atiq Ahmed and brother Ashraf kept the social media platforms abuzz this week, and as a habit misinformation followed. While incorrect claims of spotting an accused in Atiq-Ashraf murder case with SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav went viral, several alleged that videos showing the killers chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ were fake. From misleading allegations of Rahul Gandhi’s “insensitive” attitude towards a differently-abled man to false claims of Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, here are our top fact checks from the past week.
Did Accused In Atiq Ahmed Murder Case Chant ‘Jai Shree Ram’? Here’s What We Found
Since Atiq Ahmed and his brother were shot dead in front of the media, several clips showing the three accused killing them and turning themselves in voluntarily have surfaced online. Soon after, several social media users observed that the assailants chanted “Jai Shree Ram” following the murder. Their observation was soon dismissed by a section of social media users, who asserted that the videos were “fake and dubbed.” Newschecker found that the accused did chant Jai Shree Ram slogans. Read more here.
No, Man Photographed With Akhilesh Yadav Is Not The Accused In Atiq Ahmed Murder Case
Several social media users shared a photograph of the Samajwadi Party Chief, Akhilesh Yadav swamped in a crowd of people, one of whom was highlighted as the alleged killer of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother. Newschecker found that the viral post alleging that Akhilesh Yadav was photographed by an accused in Atiq Ahmed murder case was false. The man seen in the viral photograph is a Youth Congress leader from Madhya Pradesh. Read more here.
Video Of Rahul Gandhi’s Interaction With Differently Abled Man Shared With False Claim
A video has recently gone viral with the claim that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offered to shake hands with a differently abled person on stage, evoking reactions of amusement across social media. Several verified handles shared the nine-second video clip, mocking Gandhi for his “insensitivity”. We found that a video of a differently abled person’s greeting withGandhi was shared with a misleading claim that he was “insensitive” to attempt a handshake. Read more here.
Nandan Nilekani Invests $892mn In Crypto Trading Platform? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral ‘Indian Express’ Report
A Facebook post has gone viral, sharing a screenshot and link of a purported Indian Express report that states that Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani has “invested $892 million in a new trading platform to make ordinary people richer.” Newschecker found that Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani did not invest $892 million in a trading platform that would “make ordinary people richer.” The viral link and Indian Express report were found to be fake. Read more here.
Rare Video Of Swami Vivekananda? No, The Man Seen In Viral Clip Is Paramahansa Yogananda
Several social media users shared a black-and-white footage, claiming it to be a “rare video of Swami Vivekananda.” Newschecker found that the viral clip is being shared on social media platforms in a false context. It does not show a “rare video of Swami Vivekananda.” The viral footage actually shows Swami Paramahansa Yogananda during his visit to America in the 1920s. Read more here.
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
