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.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Video shows “Khalistani terrorists” attacking a temple.
Fact
2022 video showing the incident that took place during a clash between two groups in Punjab’s Patiala.
Since the farmer unions gave a call for “Delhi Chalo” march, alleged pro- and anti-protest centric content has been dominating the social media trends. In its wake, the Khalistan narrative is also gaining traction online. Now, a video allegedly showing a group of armed Sikh men rushing into a premises, attacking a shop worker and brandishing swords freely around police personnel is being widely shared on social media platforms.
Multiple users shared the video claiming to show “Khalistani terrorists” attacking a temple. Newschecker found that the video is over one-year-old, and shows an incident that occurred during a clash between two groups in Patiala.
Archived versions of such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Protesting Farmers ‘Crushed’ Cop Under Tractor? Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Video
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the keyframes of the video, we spotted a board with the text “Kali Devi Mandir” written on it.
Further, we skimmed through the X posts carrying the viral clip and noticed multiple users pointing out that the video is from Kali Devi Mandir, Patiala.
Taking a clue, we looked up keywords “Kali Devi Mandir,” “Patiala” and “attacked” on Google, which led us to a video report by Republic World, dated April 30, 2022. The report titled “Patiala News | New Video Of Temple Attack During Pro-Khalistani-Shiv Sena Clashes Accessed,” carried the viral footage that has been linked to the ongoing farmers’ protest.
In the initial frames of the video, an anchor can be heard saying, “This is a video of the attack in Patiala when clashes erupted between Khalistani supporters and members of a Hindu organisation outside the Maha Kali temple in Punjab’s Patiala district..”
Also Read: Viral Video Showing Farmer Braving Water Cannon Is Not Recent
The video was also shared by multiple social media users following the incident. A screengrab from the video was also featured in a Jagran report.
A video of the clash shared by news agency ANI on April 29, 2022, also showed the premises identical to the one seen in the viral clip.
Anti-Khalistan March Led To Clash In Patiala
Clashes had erupted between two groups outside the Kali Devi Mandir in Patiala in April 2022 during an “anti-Khalistan march.”
The Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) had reportedly organised a “Khalistan Murdabad March,” from Patiala’s Arya Samaj Chowk to the Kali Devi temple on April 29, 2022. A Sena leader had said the outfit had planned the march as a reply to the announcement by Sikhs for Justice to mark the “foundation day of Khalistan.”
The march was opposed by a Sikh group, including Nihangs. Reportedly, “Nihangs, who first gathered at Dukh Niwaran Sahib gurudwara to counter the call for a march given by the Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) led by Harish Singla, marched towards the Kali Mata temple raising pro-Khalistan slogans, the police said.”
The two groups came face to face near the temple, which led to violent clashes between them. Stone pelting was reported from both sides, and at least four people were injured.The incident was also reported by several other organisations including India Today and India TV.
Reports also mentioned about the bandh being called by Hindu organisations following “the clashes between Shiv Sena members and Khalistani supporters.”
Newschecker has also reached out to local reporters for more information and will update the article with the same
Also Read: Old Video Of Elderly Woman Slamming Sit-In Protesters Viral Amid Farmers’ March To Delhi
Conclusion
Hence we can conclude that a video showing clashes between members of Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray) and a Sikh group in Punjab’s Patiala on April 29, 2022 has been shared out of context amidst the farmers’ protest
Result: Missing Context
Sources
YouTube Video By Republic World, Dated April 30, 2022
X Post By ANI, Dated April 29, 2022
Report By Hindustan Times, Dated April 29, 2022
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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.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
